Galli, Filippo

1783-1853

Italian opera singer; was born at Rome and intended for the church, but as early as ten, unusual musical talent was evident in his playing. He made his debut as a tenor at Bologna, 1804, after which he rose rapidly to the front rank. In 1810 his voice was changed to a bass by a severe illness, and on competent advice he studied to cultivate his changed voice, which brought him success equal to, if not greater, than that prior to his illness. A second debut occurred at the Carnival of 1812 at Venice in one of Rossini's operas. The composer wrote several parts for him, and in spite of a certain stiffness in his tone production, he commanded a salary for the London season of 1827 of about four thousand dollars. The next year he went to Spain and appeared successively at Rome, Milan and Mexico, during the years from 1822 to 1836. After this his voice deteriorated, and after various struggles, necessitated by want of providence in more prosperous years, he died in poverty at Paris.

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