Tenducci, Giusto Ferdinando

Celebrated opera singer; born in Sienna about 1 36. The early part of his life was spent in Italy, where he appeared on the stage when about twenty years old. In 1758 he went to London, and after singing in the pasticco, Attalo, sprang into popularity by his performance of a part in Clocchi's opera, Ciro riconosciuto. This established him in England, and after traveling through Scotland and Ireland with Doctor Arne he returned to London in 1765 and enjoyed the greatest popularity. Although he received large sums for his singing, his prodigality forced him to leave London on account of debt in 1776, but he returned the following year and continued to sing as long as his voice lasted. In 1785 he sang in a revival of Gluck's Orfeo, and in 1790 he appeared at Drury Lane and the following year at Westminster Abbey in a Handel Commemoration Festival. Soon after he returned to Italy, where he died early in the Nineteenth Century. He wrote a treatise on singing and composed an overture for a full band, and Ranelagh songs, which he sometimes sang in concert.