Open Features: Marietta Alboni
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to the singer Marietta Alboni.
Marietta Alboni 1823 -1894
Born
6 March, 1823, in Citta di Castello, Italy.
Adult Life
Marietta Alboni was coached by Rossini in the contralto roles in his operas. Her debut in was in 1842 and her Covent Garden debut in 1847. She became a rival to Jenny Lind the 'Swedish Nightgale'. Her salary was raised overnight from £500 to £2,000 for the season.
She retired on marriage in 1863 but sang at Rossini's funeral in 1868.
She died on 23 June, 1894, in Ville d'Avray, aged 71.
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