IT
classical, european
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Eduardo di Capua composed some of the most famous Neapolitan songs, including "O Sole Mio," "Santa Lucia Luntana," and "Torna a Surriento." He studied at the San Pietro Conservatory in Majilla, and an 1887 encounter with the poet Cinquegrana inspired him to write his first songs.

It wasn't in Italy but on a trip to Odessa in 1898 when he composed "O Sole Mio." This would become an unofficial, romantic Italian anthem, never more so than during the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp.