Aniello Califano

Who was Aniello Califano?

Aniello Califano was an Italian poet and writer. He was the author of numerous Neapolitan songs, the music to which was composed by various Neapolitan composers. A number of his songs, especially "'O surdato 'nnammurato", remain popular today.

Califano was born in Sorrento, the son of Alfonso Califano, an important landowner from Sant'Egidio del Monte Albino; his mother, Rosa Ruspoli, was a member of the local nobility. He was an only child. He attended San Lorenzo until the age of 18, returning in September 1916. He died in 1919.

Marcello Fondato used some of his work in the 1970 film Ninì Tirabusciò: la donna che inventò la mossa.