"I had the opportunity to follow Mariani in his artistic wanderings for a few years, and I was able to convince myself of the omnipotent charm he exercised on the orchestra and of the prodigious effect he had on the performance. The great strength of intellect and of heart that constituted his beautiful artistic personality manifested itself immediately at the first rehearsal. As soon as he stepped onto the director's stool, Mariani already knew exactly the merits and defects of his orchestra. (Gino Monaldi)"