Barbi, Alice

1860-

Italian vocalist and also poet. Born at Bologna. She inherited her musical talent, which developed very early. She studied the violin first, but later took up vocal work under several teachers, Vannuccini being the last. She made her debut at Milan, in 1882, and shortly afterwards appeared most successfully at Rome. She is one of the very few Italian singers who have devoted themselves exclusively to concert work. She has been very favorably received in Germany and Russia, and especially in England, where she has given many recitals. She revived, in her concerts, many melodies by the old Italian masters, also including those of the best songwriters of all nationalities. She is also a very fine linguist and a poet of more than ordinary ability, a number of her poems having been set to music. After her marriage, Barbi retired permanently from the concert stage and has not since appeared in public.