Crescentini, Girolamo [Jérôme]. (1766-1846) [Barbaia, Domenico. (1777–1841)]
Autograph Letter Signed
Autograph letter signed from one of the last internationally renowned castrati singers, reputed to have been one of Napoleon's lovers, and appointed singing teacher of the Imperial Family. Bologna, May 2, 1818; 1 p. Writing to Giovanni Battista Benelli, impresario at the Opéra Italienne of Paris, Crescentini writes that the present letter will be carried by the Neapolitan impresario Domenico Barbaia, and asks Benelli to assist him during his time in Paris. Translated from the Italian: "Signor Domenico Barbaia, impresario of the theaters of Naples, will be the bearer of this letter. Since he is traveling through Paris on the way to London, I wanted to give him a letter for you [...] If during the short time he will spend in the capital you can assist him, I ask that you make yourself available to support him; you will oblige me very much, being a very good friend. I am still waiting for your response to various letters, and am anxious to know what determination has been made about the pension [room and board.] [...] G. Crescentini." Addressed and postmarked on the verso. Toning, light foxing and folding creases; overall fine. 8 x 9.75 inches (20.4 x 24.8 cm).Celebrated for his creation of the role of Romeo in Zingarelli's "Giulietta e Romeo" at Teatro alla Scala di Milano (1796), Crescentini was known for his expressive and nuanced singing. He gave numerous other important first performances in works by Paisiello, Andreozzi and Cimarosa and was singing teacher in Paris to the royal family at Napoleon I's court. A famous teacher in Bologna - Isabella Colbran was among his students - he also "he composed didactic and vocal chamber works, which were famous throughout the 19th century. His vocalizzi were reprinted (by Ricordi and Lucca) up to the last decade of the century, and were used extensively by singing teachers in conservatories throughout Italy. He was a member of the Accademia di S Cecilia (Rome) and the Accademia Filarmonica of Bologna." (Grove Music Online.)
Domenico Barbaia (or Barbaja) made his first fortune as the owner of a string of coffee shops in Milan, serving the "Barbajada," a frothy drink of milk, chocolate and coffee that was a precursor to the cappuccino! He then moved on to dealing in munitions during the Napoleonic wars, becoming wealthy enough to take over both the major theaters of Naples, and later managing two theaters in Vienna and La Scala in Milan. Among the works he commissioned were operas by Gaetano Donizetti, Vincenzo Bellini, and Carl Maria von Weber.
(17340)Autograph Letter Classical Music Opera