Velluti, Giovanni Battista

1781-1861

The last of the great male sopranos of Italy; born at Monterone, Ancona. He was instructed in music by the Abbate Calpi, making his first appearance in 1800, at Forli. His first great success came five years later, when he sang in Rome in Nicolini's Selvaggia. Two years later he earned the position of first singer of his time in Nicolini's Trajano. After singing in Naples, Milan and Turin, he went to Vienna, where he made a great sensation. After singing in Italy again, he went to London in 1825, where he was very successful. Velluti had a splendid voice of large compass, the upper notes being exquisitely sweet and clear, and the lower register rich and full.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z