A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Mattei, Colomba

MATTEI, Colomba, a singer who appeared in London as 'seconda donna,' in 1754, was not only a charming singer, but a spirited and intelligent actress, and became, soon after, a great favourite as 'prima donna.' She sang in 'Ipermestra,' and (1755) in Jommelli's 'Andromaca;' and continued to sing till 1760 with similar success. Burney tells us that she was a pupil of Perez and Bertoni, and sang many songs of their composition, taught her by themselves, in an exquisite style. 'Her manner, though not quite in the grand gusto, was extremely amiable and pleasing; her figure was unexceptionable; and her acting acquired her as much applause as her singing.'

[ J. M. ]