Capocci, Filippo, 1840-1911
Life
Born: May 11, 1840, Rome
Died: July 25, 1911, Rome
Biography Pupil of his father, Gaetano (1811-1898), he the organist of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in 1875, then Kapellmeister in the same Basilica, succeeding his father, since 1898. He served also serving in the Roman churches of St. Ignatius and St. Mary of Montserrat.
He was an academician of the Royal Academy of Santa Cecilia and also organ teacher to Queen Margherita.
Filippo Capocci, unlike his father, who wasstill tied to 18th-century aesthetics, freed itself from the theatrical style under the influence of the French organist Alexandre Guilmant.
The opportunity to shine his art he is provided, in 1881, the opening concert of the new body that Merklin of the church of St. Louis of France. From now on, thanks to the friendship has enjoyed with Guilmant, for Capocci will open the doors of all the largest churches in the world.
In 1890 execution by Guilmant and Polleri, for the inauguration of the new body of William George Trice of the Basilica of the Immaculate in Genoa, marks another point in favor of the Reform Movement that brought with his work as a concert and tester of new organs. Endorsed the proposal of the chapter of the canons of St. John for the construction of two new organs that were placed at the end of the work for the reconstruction of the apse built by Pope Leo XIII. This work was commissioned Nicola Morettini, one of the first builders in Italy that he endorses the principles of the reform. Franz Liszt, to stay in Rome, wanted him to know personally and expressed great respect and friendship. In 1899, he was received among the members of the American Guild of Organists.
Was named teacher of the school optional organ for the fledgling School of Music in 1911 but was never able to take part in the faculty because of an illness that debilitated to having months until his death in July 1911.
