A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Forti, Anton

FORTI, Anton, distinguished baritone singer, born at Vienna June 8, 1790. He made his début at Presburg with so much success that towards the end of 1807 Prince Esterhazy engaged him almost at the same time as the tenor Wild for his celebrated band. Forti soon forfeited the favour of the Prince, who suddenly enrolled him as a soldier, and only released him at the intercession of several of the nobility. He next appeared (June 29, 1811) at the Theatre 'an der Wien' as Don Juan, a part for which his very sonorous voice, commanding presence, and elevated refined style of acting eminently fitted him. In April 1813 he was engaged at the court theatre, and speedily became a favourite. Besides Don Juan he specially excelled in Figaro (Mozart and Rossini), Telasco (Ferdinand Cortez), etc., and in French dialogue-operas. He sang Pizarro at the revival of 'Fidelio' in 1814; and Lysiart at the first performance of 'Euryanthe' (1823). When Count Gallenberg undertook the direction of the court theatre in 1829 Forti was pensioned, and made starring tours to Prague, Hamburg, and Berlin, where he also took a short engagement. On his return to Vienna his voice had lost its charm, and his increasing corpulence spoiled his acting. He retired finally from the stage after winning the first prize at one of the public lotteries, and died July 16, 1859.

[ C. F. P. ]