Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Giulia Grisi

Role / Field:

Leading Italian soprano of the 19th century, celebrated for her operatic artistry.

Born:

1811-05-22

Died:

1869-11-29

Century / Era:

1811s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Giulia Grisi (22 May 1811 – 29 November 1869) was an Italian opera singer. She performed widely in Europe, the United States and South America and was among the leading sopranos of the 19th century. Her second husband was Giovanni Matteo de Candia (also known as "Mario the Tenor"), scion of a noble family of the Kingdom of Sardinia. She is buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Her grave is marked "Juliette de Candia", styled in her married last name; usually better known by the courtesy title the Marquesse of Candia. Born in Milan, Giulia Grisi was the daughter of Giovanna (née Grassini) and Gaetano Grisi, one of Napoleon's Italian officers. She came from a musically gifted family, her maternal aunt Giuseppina Grassini (1773–1850) being a favourite opera singer both on the continent and in London. Her older sister, Giuditta and her cousin Carlotta were both performing artists, the former as a singer and the latter as a ballet dancer. Giuditta was the creator of the breeches role of Romeo in Bellini's I Capuleti e i Montecchi.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Grisi was trained for a musical career, making her stage debut as Emma in Rossini's Zelmira in Bologna in 1828. Rossini...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Giulia Grisi