State Archives of Naples: 'Pianos in Naples', research and music

State Archives of Naples: "Pianos in Naples"

The State Archives of Naples hosts a meeting dedicated to the history of piano building in the city before Italian unification, part of the A carte scoperte series. Introduced by Ferdinando Salemme and Giuliana Ricciardi, the event presents research by Francesca Seller and features musical contributions by pianist Sara Amoresano. Admission is free until seats are exhausted.

Seller's research documents a thriving local industry: the census identifies about 160 piano makers active in Naples from the first half of the 19th century until Unification. Alongside major makers for prestigious venues, numerous small workshops catered to the vibrant domestic market, reflecting a lively and socially widespread musical life.

• Musical program: performances include the Quintiglia (Giuseppe Giaquinto), Bagatelles op. 126 nos. 1 and 2 (L. van Beethoven), and Impromptu op. 142 no. 2 (F. Schubert), played by Sara Amoresano.
• Exhibited documents: representative archival materials from the Naples collection, offering direct access to the sources behind the research.
• Organization: the series was conceived by Francesco Cotticelli, Paologiovanni Maione, Giuliana Ricciardi, Ferdinando Salemme and Michela Ventriglia, curated by the archivists of the State Archives of Naples, with support from the Ministry of Culture and local universities.

Founded in 1808, the State Archives of Naples holds one of Europe's most important documentary collections, spanning over twelve centuries of Southern Italian history and serving as a key resource for historical and cultural research.