Decline and Fall of the «Celeste Impero»: the Theory of Composition in Naples During the Ottocento

With the loss of centrality of Naples after Italy's unification, the once glorious tradition of the Neapolitan conservatories too had to succumb to the "modern" theories and pedagogical methods developed in Northern Italy under the European influence. Many writers, anticipating the collapse of the direct tradition, committed to paper what was once transmitted via oral teaching. This article examines this kind of sources, using them as a witness of more ancient traditions.