Il Bacio (“The Kiss”) is a vocal waltz composed by Italian violinist – conductor Luigi Arditi around 1859–1860. Although Arditi wrote many works, Il Bacio became by far his most famous piece and remains popular today.
Originally written for voice and piano, it later appeared in numerous arrangements, including orchestral and solo piano versions.
It was frequently performed by 19th‑century opera stars, especially the legendary soprano Adelina Patti, whose 1906 recording helped cement its fame.
The piece combines: graceful Viennese‑style waltz rhythms virtuosic operatic vocal lines a light, flirtatious character (as the title suggests) Its mixture of salon charm and vocal brilliance made it a favorite encore piece for sopranos.
