Cavallini, Ernesto

1807-1873

Great clarinet-player and composer, who was born at Milan, and studied at the Conservatory of that city. He became a player in the orchestra of La Scala and later occupied the post of professor at the Conservatory. He was called "The Paganini of the clarinet." He traveled extensively and for fifteen years was a resident of St. Petersburg, but he returned to his native city three years before his death. The Paris Academy of Fine Arts elected him a member in 1842. He composed a concerto, which he played at a Philharmonic concert in 1845, and also many duets and studies for his instrument. These works are considered very difficult.