5 February 1859 marks the birth of Giovanni Capurro, a Neapolitan poet, lyricist and journalist whose work would shape one of Italy’s most enduring musical legacies. Born in the city’s Montecalvario district, Capurro grew up in a cultured household; his father was a professor of languages. Although initially guided toward technical studies, he soon embraced his true passions, music and words.
Capurro studied flute at the Naples Conservatory, developing strong musical skills alongside a keen literary voice. He combined these talents throughout his life, writing poetry in both standard Italian and Neapolitan dialect and composing lyrics for song after song.
He is best remembered for the lyrics of ‘O sole mio, written in 1898 and later set to music by Neapolitan composer Eduardo di Capua. Although it placed second at the Festa di Piedigrotta that year, the song’s appeal quickly outstripped its contest ranking. The melody and Capurro’s evocative words captured the warmth and longing of the Italian sun, and the piece went on to become one of the most recognised Neapolitan songs worldwide.
Over the decades, ‘O sole mio has been performed by some of the greatest voices in music history. Legendary tenors such as Enrico Caruso and later stars like Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli immortalised the song on the global stage. Its reach has spanned genres and generations, including English-language adaptations.
Music did not make Capurro rich
Despite his central role in creating this worldwide classic, Capurro never enjoyed significant financial success. He struggled economically for much of his life and spent around thirty years working for the newspaper Roma. There he served in multiple capacities, from reporter and theatre critic to administrative employee, all while remaining active in Naples’s vibrant cultural salons where he sang, played piano and entertained friends.
Capurro’s wider oeuvre included numerous songs and poetic works beyond ‘O sole mio. He wrote both published poetry and lyrics for other composers, helping shape the rich tradition of Neapolitan song in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
He died in Naples on 18 January 1920, at the age of 60. Capurro passed away without the financial security his talent arguably deserved. Yet the legacy of his words — especially through ‘O sole mio — has endured across the world.
