Tosi, Pier Francesco

1647-1727

Celebrated Italian singing master; born at Bologna; was educated by his father, Giuseppe Felice Tosi, and after singing successfully in various cities of Europe settled in London in 1692. Here he gave regular concerts, and attained a very high position as teacher of singing. When he was over seventy years old he published Opinipni di cantare antiche e moderni, o sieno osservazioni sovra il canto figurato, an excellent practical work on singing which has not been supplanted. It has been translated into English by Galliard under the title of Observations on the Florid Song or sentiments of the ancient and modern singers. It contains many practical remarks on singing that are still highly useful to students. Tosi died in London.