Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
Coppola was born in Milan; his parents were both singers. He studied at the Milan Conservatory, graduating in piano and composition in 1910. By 1911 he was already conducting opera at La Scala opera house in Milan. That year he heard Debussy conduct his own compositions "Ibéria" and "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" in Turin: an experience that "had a decisive influence on his career".