To understand the importance of the bands in the Valley, we would like to report some advertisements of trials from the magazine “La musica popolare” from 1883, edited by Edoardo Sonzogno, among which we find one regarding the band of Breno.
“…A trial for the post of conductor for band and choir in Breno (province of Brescia) is open; the salary of 1.200L. The selection is through qualifications and a test. Applications must be sent to the president of the Council, Duke of Bagnara-Ruffo. Expiry date: end of the month”.
“February, 15th, 1883: the trial for the post of teacher of cello and contrabass, annual salary L. 1200, is open for the school of arts of Verona. Applicants should present their applications…”
“The Music School of Brera in Novara is looking for a teacher of hornet, annual salary L. 900 plus benefits. Applications and documents to be sent…”
“The Music School of Padua holds a trial on May, 15th, for two posts in the City Band: one for first clarinet Bb, annual salary L. 425; one for third clarinet Bb, annual salary L. 250”.
“The town of Benfiore del Chiento (province of Macerata) holds the trial for a post of conductor and director of the band, annual salary L. 800. Not to be missed!”.
It is clear from these ads that a good conductor could receive a similar pay as a conservatory teacher, and it certainly was a deserved salary. The trials were in fact organised to choose the best conductors and the better qualified among all the applicants.
Article from “La musica popolare”, 1883, n. 17.
The Iron Bridge 1886-1887
The first iron bridge uniting Darfo and Corna is built, which will be replaced in 1985 by the current cement bridge.The first bridge on the Oglio river was built in 1830-1831, it was made of wood, with six arcades, and it united Darfo with the road Bergamo-Breno, going via Corna.This work ended the isolation of the people of Darfo, opening the way to a commercial and cultural bond with the territory of Bergamo.This bond will intensify thanks to the creation of the road Bergamo-Lovere and the link Lovere-Corna-Cividate Camuno, project from the two engineers Tosana and Calini.