Musical Reminiscences: Containing an Account of Italian Opera in England, From 1773. The Fourth Edition, Continued to the Present Time, and Including The Festival in Westminster Abbey.

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

34-5

text excerpt

In passing through Padua, I went to a grand mass in the church of St. Antonio, when, it being Whit Sunday, and of course a festival, I had the good fortune to hear a motetto, or anthem, sung by Guadagni, of whom I had heard very much, as he had for a long time been a great favourite in England, which he left in the year 1771. When he sung as first man at our opera he was uncommonly handsome, and a remarkably good actor; Garrick himself having taken pains to instruct him. His voice was then a soprano of the finest description, and his performance, particularly of Orfeo, was described as having been delightful. He was now advanced in years, and sung as contralto: his voice was still full and well toned, and his style appeared to me excellent.

In passing through Padua, I went to a grand mass in the church of St. Antonio, when, it being Whit Sunday, and of course a festival, I had the good fortune to hear a motetto, or anthem, sung by Guadagni, of whom I had heard very much, as he had for a long time been a great favourite in England, which he left in the year 1771. When he sung as first man at our opera he was uncommonly handsome, and a remarkably good actor; Garrick himself having taken pains to instruct him. His voice was then a soprano of the finest description, and his performance, particularly of Orfeo, was described as having been delightful. He was now advanced in years, and sung as contralto: his voice was still full and well toned, and his style appeared to me excellent.

excerpt from 'Musical Reminiscences: Containing an Account of Italian Opera in England, From 1773. The Fourth Edition, Continued to the Present Time, and Including The Festival in Westminster Abbey.' pp. 34-5 (139 words)

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1445966177296