A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Lacy, John

LACY, John, bass singer, born in the last quarter of last century, was a pupil of Rauzzini at Bath. After singing in London he went to Italy, where he became complete master of the Italian language and style of singing. On his return he sang at concerts and the Lenten oratorios, but although he possessed an exceptionally fine voice and sang admirably in various styles, circumstances prevented him from taking any prominent position. In 1818 he accepted an engagement at Calcutta, and, accompanied by his wife, left England, to which he never returned. Had he remained here he would most probably have been appointed successor to Bartleman.

Mrs. Lacy, his wife, was originally Miss Jackson, and appeared as a soprano singer at the Concert of Ancient Music, April 25, 1798. In 1800 she became the wife of Francesco Bianchi, the composer, and in 1810 his widow. In 1812 she was married to Lacy, and sang as Mrs. Bianchi Lacy in 1812, 13, and 14. She 'was the best representative of the great and simple style as delivered down by Mrs. Bates and Madame Mara, whilst her articulate delivery and pure pronunciation of Italian, rendered her no less generally valuable in other departments of the art.'

[ W. H. H. ]