Game of Hearts: The Life Story of Carlos Curti

This video offers an overview of some of the major events in the life of Carlos Curti. Born "Carmine Antonio Curti" in the town of Gallicchio, in the region of Basilicata, in 1859. He and his brother Giovanni were recruited by the Impresario Maurice Grau and arrived in New York in 1872-1873. They began performing in French Opera Bouffe orchestras under the direction of Signore Salvatore Guerra. In 1882 Carlos and Giovanni (Juan) left for Mexico City where they took positions on the faculty at the Mexican Conservatory and served in the military. Carlos began to compose and to conduct, taking the Mexican Tipica Orchestra to the New Orleans World's Fair in 1885. When he returned, he had solidified his relationship with President Diaz and the Anglo-American community. He conducted bands in Zacatecas, taught music in schools, and was most famous for conducting the orchestra of the Orrin Circus-Theatre. He mainly composed zarzuelas, piano salon music, and marching band music. He was a versatile musician who was trained as a violinist, became a proficient xylophonist, and performed on mandolin, banjo, and guitar. This heartbreaking story covers how his marriage to Carmen Cooper and his enduring love for Josefa Ventura might have played a major role in subsequent suicides. As Curti's professional life evolved, he moved back to Manhattan and conducted the orchestras at the Waldorf-Astoria, published a mandolin method book, and recorded Mexican songs and instrumental music, including his own compositions. The Mexican Revolution took its toll on those who stayed behind, including his children and the mother of his children. It was dangerous to return to Mexico if you were a well-known friend of President Diaz, and so, Curti stayed in Manhattan after 1910. His son Rodolfo Curti Ventura served during and after the Mexican Revolution and under General-President Plutarco Calles. My biography is the first such in-depth look at Curti's life, and the invisible family that he produced with Josefa Ventura. Twelve children were born, half died in infancy, but the Curti legacy is alive---with his musical tree gave birth to dozens of musical descendants and biological relatives who now are able to take pride in his heroic accomplishments and achievements as a musician. "Game of Hearts" is available in paperback at Amazon. Thank you, Sheri
The recordings are all Curti compositions:
Benedictine; La Tipica Polka; Las Cuantos. (from DAHR-UCSB) public domain downloads)