Alpinolo Nunzi was an Italian guitar virtuoso, composer, and music pedagogue of the early 20th century, best known as a pioneer of the harp guitar. His works heavily reflect the vibrant Italian plucked-string music tradition of his era.
Alpinolo Nunzi originally hailed from the Umbria region in central Italy. While minor details of his early training remain obscured by time, he rapidly established himself as an outstanding soloist during the early decades of the 1900s.
According to the Dizionario dei Chitarristi e Liutai Italiani, Nunzi later settled in Terni, where he spent many decades working as a highly acclaimed soloist and teacher. A defining feature of his artistic identity was his mastery of the harp guitar. Rare historical postcards picture him proudly holding this multi-stringed instrument, which featured floating sub-bass strings alongside the standard guitar neck. Beyond the guitar, he also taught the accordion and successfully prepared his students for live broadcast performances on
Nunzi’s compositions are deeply rooted in the Italian salon and folk music traditions. His works are characterized by expressive melodies, virtuosic embellishments (such as glissandi and harmonics), and the clever adaptation of classic dance rhythms. His sheet music was issued by prominent Italian publishers of the time, including Casa Cocchi (Bologna), Maurri (Florence), and Vizzara (Milan). Furthermore, several of his pieces gained wider recognition through the specialized plucked-instrument magazine Mandolinismo.
Key guitar works include:
- Fior di Virtù (Mazurka per Chitarra Sola): Awarded a diploma of honor at a national composition contest, this piece beautifully merges lyrical phrasing with rhythmic precision.
- Antonietta: A character piece noted for its delicate technical nuances, rapid runs, and the strategic use of natural harmonics at the 12th fret.
- Fulgide Visioni (Mazurka) & Venustà (Polka brillante): Perfect examples of early 20th-century Italian solo salon music.
- Bianca (Marcia Militare): A robust, driving military march that explores the full dynamic range of the classical guitar.
- Nel deserto libico (Valzer): Published in 1922, this waltz highlights Nunzi’s gift for evocative and expansive melodic lines.
