A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Borosini, Francesco

BOROSINI, Francesco. This admirable tenor singer was born at Bologna, according to Fétis, about 1695; and in 1723 was one of the principal singers at the Grand Opera at Prague. Very little more of his history is known; but we have evidence that he came, with his wife, to London in 1724, and sang in operas; as in 'Artaserse' by Ariosti, and Handel's 'Tamerlane.' In 1725 he appeared in 'Rodelinda' and 'Giulio Cesare' by Handel, in Ariosti's 'Dario,' and the pasticcio 'Elpidia' given by the former master, with recitatives of his own. The names of Borosini and his wife are not found again in England after 1725. His wife, Leonora, née D'Ambreville, was originally French, and was a very remarkable contralto singer. In 1714, according to Fétis, she sang at the Palatine Court, and was engaged in 1723 for the Grand Opera at Prague, with her husband. When they were married is not known, but that they came to England together in 1724 is certain, for her name is found in the casts of the same operas in which he also performed. In 'Dario' and 'Elpidia' she is called Signora Sorosini, but this is a mere misprint. It is only curious that it should occur in two different works.

[ J. M. ]