A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Gizziello, Gioacchino

GIZZIELLO, Gioacchino Conti, detto, so-called after his master, D. Gizzi, was one of the greatest singers of the 18th century. Born Feb. 28, 1714, at Arpino (Naples), he early under-went the preparation for the career of a sopranist. He gained a round, full, sweet voice of great extent and penetrating quality, which was united to a strong natural taste and feeling in music. At the age of 15 he made his debut at Rome, with immense success. In 1731 he excited the greatest enthusiasm there by his singing in Vinci's 'Didone' and 'Artaserse.' An anecdote is related of this occasion, showing how much other singers were already affected by his fame. [See Farinelli.] He sang at Naples in 1732 and 33 with the same success. Three years later (April 13, 36), he is announced in the London Newspapers as 'expected here in a few days.' This was the critical moment at which the split occurred in Handel's company, and the great master was at a loss for artists to replace those who had seceded. On May 5, he began with 'Ariodante,' and Gizziello, who then made his first appearance in London, 'met with an uncommon reception; in justice to his voice and judgment, he may be truly esteemed one of the best performers in this kingdom ' (Daily Post). In presence of Farinelli, no more could be said of the young singer, who was still 'so modest and diffident, that when he first heard Farinelli, at a private rehearsal, he burst into tears, and fainted away with despondency' (Burney). 'Atalanta' was brought out May 12, Gizziello again singing the principal man's part, as he did, a little later, in 'Poro.' In 1737 he appeared in 'Arminio,' 'Berenice,' 'Giustino,' and 'Partenope.' In 1743 he went to Lisbon, where the improvement in his style, due to the example of Farinelli, was at once perceived. Charles III, King of Naples, engaged both him and Caffarelli to sing in the 'Acchille in Sciro' of Pergolesi. Caffarelli came from Poland, and Gizziello from Portugal, and met for the first time. The former sang the first song with splendid effect, and Gizziello thought himself lost, as he listened to the continued applause; but he sang his own song, which followed, with such pathos and expression that he divided the honours of the performance. In 1749 he was invited by Farinelli to sing at Madrid with Mingotti; and stayed there three years. He then returned to Portugal. About the end of 1753 he quitted the stage, and settled at his native place. He died at Rome Oct. 25, 1761. An excellent mezzotint portrait of him was scraped by Alex. Van Haecken, after a picture by C. Lucy, in 1736, folio. A good impression of it is scarce.

[ J. M. ]