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 ...
Music history. My own research. Everything about music starting from Medieval to Late Baroque era.