Semprini
Encyclopedia
Alberto Fernando Riccardo Semprini (27 March 1908 – 19 January 1990) known by his stage name Alberto Semprini, or Semprini, was an English pianist, famous for appearances on the BBC
, mainly on radio.
Born in Bath, Somerset, England of Italian ancestry, Semprini showed early talent for both the piano and cello. He graduated from the Verdi Conservatory in Milan in 1928, having studied composition and conducting as well as honing his skills at the piano. His initial fame came from headlining a light music
programme, Semprini Serenade, which he introduced with the words: "Old ones, new ones, loved ones, neglected ones". It first aired on BBC Radio in 1957 and continued for around 25 years. His 'house band' was the New Abbey Light Symphony Orchestra.
He also wrote a number of original compositions on the lighter side of the musical repertoire, including Mediterranean Concerto, which he used as the theme tune for his radio show.
. Monty Python was airing in the UK at the same time that his show was popular, and his surname was well known to BBC listeners.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
, mainly on radio.
Born in Bath, Somerset, England of Italian ancestry, Semprini showed early talent for both the piano and cello. He graduated from the Verdi Conservatory in Milan in 1928, having studied composition and conducting as well as honing his skills at the piano. His initial fame came from headlining a light music
Light music
Light music is a generic term applied to a mainly British musical style of "light" orchestral music, which originated in the 19th century and had its heyday during the early to mid part of the 20th century, although arguably it lasts to the present day....
programme, Semprini Serenade, which he introduced with the words: "Old ones, new ones, loved ones, neglected ones". It first aired on BBC Radio in 1957 and continued for around 25 years. His 'house band' was the New Abbey Light Symphony Orchestra.
He also wrote a number of original compositions on the lighter side of the musical repertoire, including Mediterranean Concerto, which he used as the theme tune for his radio show.
In popular culture
His surname was used as a fictitious profanity in a series of sketches from series 2 show 4 of Monty Python's Flying CircusMonty Python's Flying Circus
Monty Python’s Flying Circus is a BBC TV sketch comedy series. The shows were composed of surreality, risqué or innuendo-laden humour, sight gags and observational sketches without punchlines...
. Monty Python was airing in the UK at the same time that his show was popular, and his surname was well known to BBC listeners.