Stelvio Cipriani (Rome, Italy, 20 August 1937 - 1 October 2018) was an Italian composer, mostly of motion picture soundtracks and pianist. Though not coming from a musical background, as a child Cipriani was fascinated by his church's organ. His priest gave him his first music lessons and encouraged Cipriani and his family. Cipriani passed his examinations and studied at Santa Cecilia Conservatory from the age of 14, then played on cruise ship bands, that enabled him to meet Dave Brubeck.