Founder of Atina’s musical tradition, Maestro Samuele Pagano lived and composed in this house remarkable works of symphonic, sacred, chamber, piano, violin and piano, mandolin music, symphonic marches, military marches, funeral marches, and more.
Ninth of nineteen children, young Samuele was born in Atina on May 18, 1883. From an early age, Maestri Corvi and Pipitone—who were in Atina to form a band—recognized in him an exceptional musical talent. By the age of nine, he was already a promising player of the flute, guitar, and violin. The Honourable Alfonso Visocchi, Member of Parliament and Senator of the Kingdom, recognized his abilities and took him to Naples, supporting his musical education.
Thanks to his talent, commitment, and “exceptional musical qualities,” he passed the entrance exam to the Royal Conservatory of Music “San Pietro a Majella” in Naples. He underwent nine years of rigorous study. On November 16, 1903, he graduated with top marks, earning his diploma and teaching certificate in Band Instrumentation. Among his teachers were Giuseppe Martucci, Camillo De Nardis, Pietro Platania, Ettore Fieramosca, and Francesco Ancona.
In 1915, he won a national competition and became the conductor of the 59th Infantry Regiment's garrison band. Three years later, at the end of his service, he was praised for having “turned a group of temporary and unstable musicians into a cohesive and harmonious ensemble in just a few days.” His “refined artistic sense,” “perfect technique,” and “excellent manners” earned him a reputation as an “outstanding military band conductor.”
He gave numerous concerts and received recognition across Europe. On November 10, 1923, during a gala evening in Paris celebrating the birthday of H.M. King Victor Emmanuel, he conducted the Vocal and Instrumental Concert. One of his compositions, the symphonic march Capricciosa, received great acclaim. For his artistic and cultural merits, in 1932 he was appointed honorary member of the “Giuseppe Verdi” Musical Academy.
His deep connection to Atina led him to conduct the Atina Civic Band Ensemble from 1904 to 1964.
He also directed the “City of Alvito” Band (1945), the “City of Monte San Giovanni Campano” Band (1946), and large band ensembles in Puglia and Abruzzo, such as those of Gioia del Colle, Chieti, Acquaviva delle Fonti, and others.
He passed away on December 10, 1972. As Il Giornale d’Italia wrote, he is remembered for his “taste,” his “brilliant inspiration,” and “extraordinary command of musical technique.”