Manzuoli, Giovanni

1725-Date of death unknown

Italian opera-singer, having a wonderful soprano voice. Was born in Florence. He soon became well known in Italy, and was engaged by Farinelli to sing in opera at Madrid in 1753. He sang in London from 1764 to 1765, and was received with the greatest enthusiasm. Many operas were written for him, among them II Re Pastore, of which most of the music is by Giordini; and the Olimpiade, by Dr. Arne. His most successful role was in Ezio. In 1771 he was made singer to the court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and the same year he sang at Milan in the Serenata composed by the young Mozart in honor of the marriage of Archduke Ferdinand.  He was a friend of Mozart, and is mentioned in several of that musician's letters. In 1788 he retired from the stage at Florence.