Stefano Donaudy

A variety of sources date both his first opera Folchetto and one of his most popular songs, Vaghissima sembianza, to 1892, when he was only 13.[who?]

After studies with the director of Palermo's Conservatoire, Guglielmo Zuelli, Donaudy made a living as singing teacher, coach and accompanist for some of Sicily's wealthiest families, while actively pursuing a career as a composer.

Practically all his song texts and libretti were supplied by or written at four-hands with his brother, Alberto Donaudy.

Donaudy's most famous collection is 36 Arie di Stile Antico, first published by Casa Ricordi in 1918 with revisions in 1922, but using material composed from 1892 onward.

Even less information is available on the rest of his output, which seems to include a cantata Il sogno di Palisenda, written before 1902, one symphonic poem, several smaller works for orchestra and «a quartet of compositions» for violin and piano.

Stefano Donaudy, 1906
Franchita's room, set design for Ramuntcho act 3 (1921).
Una spianata nella villa del Duca di Vallenza, sul mar di Posillipo, set design for Speduti nel buio act 2 (1907).