A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Sinico

SINICO. An Italian family of musicians. 1. Francesco, born at Trieste, Dec. 12, 1810, began as an amateur, but in 1843, after various efforts, became Maestro di capella to the Jesuits of that city, and shortly afterwards induced the authorities to found a singing school under his direction, which from a humble beginning became an important institution. He died, Aug. 18, 1865. 2. His younger brother, Giuseppe, also born at Trieste, about 1812, a singer whom we hear of at Oporto, Madrid, Florence, and Milan, and who afterwards took to teaching. 3. A second Giuseppe, son of Francesco, was born at Trieste, Feb. 10, 1836; he began by assisting his father, and published a 'Breve Metodo' of singing, but soon forsook this for composition, and in 1859 and 61 produced three operas in his native town. 4. A lady, who was first known as Mme. Sinico, afterwards as Mme. Campobello, and whose maiden name was Clarice Marini, made her début in England, May 17, 1864, at Her Majesty's, as Violetta. For many years she was engaged at one or other of the London opera-houses, and was remarkable for her efficient presentment of smaller operatic parts, and her ability to play principal characters at a moment's notice. She had a nice high soprano voice. Her répertoire included Donna Elvira, Susanna, Isabella, Margaret of Valois, Adalgisa, Anne Page, Elvira (Masaniello), Mathilde, Néris (Cherubini's Medée), Papagena (Zauberflöte), Annetta (Der Freischütz), Blonde (Seraglio), the Queen (Hamlet), Jane Seymour (Anna Bolena), etc. In 1879 she played at Her Majesty's, but of late has been rarely seen in opera in London. She is well known as an oratorio and concert singer; in 1874 sang at the Handel Festival, and is also very popular in the provinces. The above refers to her performances in England, but she has also sung at St. Petersburg, Copenhagen, and elsewhere. She is pre-eminently a useful singer. On May 2, 1874, she married Mr. Henry McLean Martin, a favourite baritone singer, known under his professional name of Campobello.

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