Pietro Mascagni, composer of the beautiful ‘Cavalleria rusticana’, was born in Livorno, Tuscany, on 7 December 1863.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mascagni’s birth, here are some Victorian newspaper reports that provide us with some fascinating snapshots of his life.

The Belfast Newsletter – Wednesday 21 July 1895

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000038/18950731/022/0006

Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser – Saturday 15 September 1900

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000206/19000915/114/0012

Lancaster Gazette – Saturday 21 April 1894

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000488/18940421/020/0003

Sheffield Evening Telegraph – Thursday 09 September 1897

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000275/18970909/009/0002

The Graphic – Saturday 05 December 1891

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000057/18911205/008/0009