Raffaele d'Alessandro (17/03/1911 - 17/03/1959), a Swiss composer. d’Alessandro studied composition with Paul Müller and Willi Schuh in Zurich. With the support of a Dutch benefactor, d’Alessandro was able to continue his studies in Paris, beginning in 1934, where he received instruction in composition with Nadia Boulanger and in organ with Marcel Dupré. He also took piano lessons from Paul Roës (a proponent of the Liszt / Busoni lineage), and made the acquaintance of the organists Vierne and Tournemire, both of whom he admired. In 1940 Raffaele d’Alessandro returned to Switzerland, moving to Lausanne. Next to his work as a practicing musician he devoted himself to composition. He gave many organ and piano concerts, in Switzerland and in various European countries. In this period of his life he composed his most significant works that were performed in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, England, and the USA. His œuvre comprises 164 works, including stage works, film music, vocal music, orchestral works, and chamber music.