Not that paying attention to long-deceased Italian composers is a waste of time.

They are more related to the 'fugues' written by Italian composers of the time.

An Italian composer of his era was expected to compose vocal music.

His book of masses was the first to be published by a single Italian composer.

He composed in the style of Italian composers of that time.

The audiences expected an Italian composer to write beautiful melodies rather than anything dramatic.

Italian composers have played a major role in music since the Middle Ages.

He wants another, smaller theatre for chamber works, and he's anxious to encourage young Italian composers.

He hoped that it would be a wake-up call and an inspiration to other young Italian composers.

Otherwise, the Italian composer - outside his own country at least - is not much thought about at all.