Francesca Cuzzoni

Francesca Cuzzoni (2 April 1696 - 19 June 1778). She was one of the greatest opera singer of 18th century. Francesca was born in Parma in an ordinary family of Italian musician, Angelo Cuzzoni.

Cuzzoni had her opera debut in 1714, she sang in Venice, in La virtu coronata, o II Fernando (the composer is unknown). Later on, in 1718, Francesca sang in Ariodante, opera by Carlo Francesco Pollarolo.

According to some contemporaries, Francesca wasn’t a stunner girl, but she had beautiful voice and she was really good in singing cantilena. Thus she became quite known in Italy, but her real music career started in London when maestro Handel offered Cuzzoni a role in his opera and profitable contract with £ 2000 fee.

Francesca had her debut in Handel’s opera in January 1723. She stayed in England until 1728 singing in Handel’s operas. By the way, it is for her, Handel created role of Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare and the title-role in Rodelinda.

I think that was really good time for Cuzzoni’s career, she became a big star. After leaving England, Francesca continued her singer career. She spent one year (1728-1729) in Vienna, where she was invited by Count Kinsky (Imperial Ambassador to London). However, she could not stay there longer, because of her demands which were really high.

Finally Francesca came back to Italy, where she stayed until the end of her life. She died in poverty…

Author - Alice Holainen

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