María Galli

María Felicia Antonia Galli Bagutti (13 June 1872 - 2 November 1960) was a Swiss-Uruguayan pianist, composer and music teacher. She was the first to approach the symphonic repertoire, the first to write an opera, a piano sonata and the first to venture into Latin American rhythms without forgetting the inclusion of tango (prohibitive for the females in her time).

Early life and education María Galli was born in Montevideo on 13 June 1872, the daughter of the Swiss Galli Agustoni and Aurora Bagutti, who were based in Uruguay. On 15 August 1872, she was baptized in the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral. Around 1875, her parents moved to Switzerland. There her brothers, Rafael in 1878, the twins Carlos and Luisa in 1881, and Félix in 1883 were born.

Her musical studies began in the Swiss capital at the conservatory directed by the composer, conductor and violinist Friedrich Hegar. Her composition teacher was Lothar Kempier, while on piano and organ she was instructed by Walter Lang and Lutz, respectively. Some Italian influence can be distinguished in Galli’s romances and songs. Later, the Royal Bologna Philharmonic Academy awarded her the title of "honorary member", as well as the "magisterium of the pianist class".

Pianist and composer Conservatorio Musical de Montevideo was founded on 5 August 1904, based in the Victoria Hall Theatre.

Last years María Galli had no children and wrote her will on 21 May 1957, in which she left her possessions to her students María del Carmen and Luis Eduardo Garicoits, who looked after her until the day she died. María Galli died on 2 November 1960 in Montevideo.

Works (selected)

Himno Triunfal, 1899 Marcha a Lavalleja, 1902 Gavota, 1904 Lontananza, 1907 Toccata n°1, 1912 Floreal Gloria Nórdica, 1912 Chanson Triste, 1912 Marcha Nupcial, 1913 Victoire, 1929