A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Rauzzini, Venanzio
RAUZZINI, Venanzio, born 1747, in Rome, where he made his début in 1765, captivating his audience by his fine voice, clever acting, and prepossessing appearance. In 1767 he sang in Vienna, and then accepted an engagement in Munich, where four of his operas were performed. In London he made his first appearance in 1774 [App. p767 "in Corri's 'Alessandro nell' Indie'"]. Here also he distinguished himself as an excellent teacher of singing, Miss Storace, Braham, Miss Poole (afterwards Mrs. Dickons), and Incledon, being among his pupils. In 1778 and 79 he gave subscription concerts with the violinist Lamotte, when they were assisted by such eminent artistes as Miss Harrop, Signor Rovedino, Fischer, Cervetto, Stamitz, Decamp, and Clementi. He also gave brilliant concerts in the new Assembly Rooms (built 1771) at Bath, where he took up his abode on leaving London. Here he invited Haydn and Dr. Burney to visit him, and the three spent several pleasant days together in 1794. On this occasion Haydn wrote a four-part canon (or more strictly a round) to an epitaph on a favourite dog buried in Rauzzini's garden, 'Turk was a faithful dog and not a man.'[1] [App. p.767 "the Round will be found in vol. iv. p. 191."] Rauzzini's operas performed in London were 'La Regina di Golconda' (1775); 'Armida' (1778); 'Creusa in Delfo' (1782); and 'La Vestale' (1787). He composed string-quartets, sonatas for PF., Italian arias and duets, and English songs; also a Requiem produced at the little Haymarket Theatre in 1801, by Dr. Arnold and Salomon. He died, universally regretted, at Bath in 1810. His brother
Matteo, born in Rome 1754, made his first appearance at Munich in 1772, followed his brother to England, and settled in Dublin, where he produced an opera, 'Il Re pastore.' He employed himself in teaching singing, and died in 1791.- ↑ For this Round see Pohl, Haydn in London, p. 270.