Luigi Dallapiccola (1904-1975), one of the most significant Italian composers of the 20th century, was the first of his countrymen to embrace the twelve-tone system. His music is notable for his ability to bring a warmly Italianate lyricism to systematic serial techniques. Dallapiccola was also active as a concert pianist, and for most of his career taught at the Cherubini Conservatory. Although he wrote in a wide variety of genres, he largely focused on vocal music, particularly opera. His twelve-tone opera Il Prigionero, which deals with political oppression, is one of the most timely and important operas of the twentieth century.