Luigi Mozzani stands as a prominent figure in the history of classical guitar and Italian lutherie. A musician and guitarist of remarkable talent, he distinguished himself as a concert performer, composer, teacher, and innovative luthier.

Born in Faenza on March 9, 1869 (though some sources cite Granarolo di Romagna as his birthplace), Mozzani’s early life was marked by economic hardship, leading him to leave school after the first grade. Nevertheless, he educated himself and developed a strong interest in music. Initially studying the clarinet, he graduated in oboe from the Conservatory of Bologna at the age of 18 before dedicating himself to the guitar, an instrument that would bring him fame and lead him to perform in various Italian cities, as well as European and North American capitals. He founded a lutherie school whose developments, in the pursuit of a perfect balance between art and science, are still internationally recognised today. The typically Italian taste for melody – from opera and chamber romance – distinguishes his guitar compositions, almost totally unexplored until now and finally brought to light in their entirety through the interpretations by Walter Zanetti (joined by Monica Paolini in the pieces for two guitars).