Biography of Secondo Casadei

Strauss of Romagna

April 1, 1906
November 19, 1971
The architect, the protagonist and the largest Adriatic folk music performer, creator of "smooth" phenomenon was born in Sant'Angelo di Gatteo (FC) on April 1, 1906. For family tradition should become a tailor, but the music attracts irresistibly. After a few years of classical studies Secondo Casadei leaves violin lessons and devoted himself to his great passion: dance music.
Successful orchestra Debuts at only sixteen, but his greatest aspiration is to have a complex of his own and the dream comes true in 1928 with a Sextet, an organic whole again for an orchestra of Romagna. Next to the clarinet in c, the two violins, bass and guitar, accompanied by two new tools (great news for those days): the saxophone and drums. In the early 30 's Secondo Casadei begins the tradition of Romagna dialect song "to be closer to the hearts of the people". Burdèla "Avèra", "become famous: A bès in biciclèta", "burdèli", as well as many other Bale. According to always write and every little inspiration enough for him to fill rows and rows of stave.
His mood is inexhaustible and the audience loves it showing him that affection and sympathy at every opportunity. Do not lose heart when the post-war period brings American music, which is rampant in all ballrooms. It is the only caporchestra who defends faithfully and persistently musical genre. The arrival of his nephew Raoul in the late ' 50 's a breath of fresh air that brings in a new energy. Together they sign reasons great popularity: is a tremendous winning combination, successful and sympathy. Hence, the "Asha Second & Raoul Casadei" who performs every day of the year except November 2, the first day of lent and the Easter Vigil.
In 1966 Secondo Casadei receives the honour of Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana and he deals with great interest to the press. But who will bring you to great national popularity will be Vittorio Salvetti it will participate with an extraordinary success to its Festivalbar. Its 1078 engravings are the soundtrack of any material event of his life and that of all those who follow him. "Romagna mia" (1954), and ballad now known worldwide, thanks to Radio Koper (then popular) and thanks to the advent of jukeboxes, door Secondo Casadei to international fame. He succeeds at every opportunity to pass on to his orchestral (always valuable professionals) enthusiasm, determination and love for a musical genre that, he said, "would never have declined until there was only one person who had been wanting to dance." Disappears on November 19, 1971, between disbelief and pain of his countless friends. His wand passes by popular acclaim to his grandson Raoul Casadei, and afterwards, in 2000 to his son Mirko.
The rest is history. Even today, more than ever, the music by Secondo Casadei shall keep intact that freshness, vivacity and originality that make it absolutely typical and unique production of this artist, writer/director Leandro Castellani has described in his book "The Strauss of Romagna". Secondo Casadei represents unanimously the highest expression and genuine soul dancer and song of Romagna.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.