2012/03/11
Gilda Ruta Cagnazzi (1856–1932), Italy and the United States
Pianist, composer, and music teacher. Studied music and composition with her father and for Saverio Mercadante. She was a successful pianist. She was widowed early in life (at age 27). She moved to New York and began composing there. She composed more than 125 works, including many pieces for piano and orchestra or for voice and instrument as well as opera.