Legnani, (Rinaldo) Luigi

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Legnani, (Rinaldo) Luigi

Legnani, (Rinaldo) Luigi, outstanding Italian guitarist and instrument maker; b. Ferrara, Nov. 7, 1790; d. Ravenna, Aug. 5, 1877. After making appearances as a tenor, he launched a remarkable career as a guitar virtuoso, creating a minor sensation in Milan in 1819. He subsequently toured widely in Europe, including concert appearances with Paganini (1836–38). He later settled in Ravenna and established a workshop as a maker of guitars and violins. He also composed duos for violin or flute and guitar.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire