A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Visetti, Albert

VISETTI, Albert Anthony, was born (of an English mother) at Spalato in Dalmatia, May 13, 1846, and studied composition under Alberto Mazzucato at the Conservatorio of Milan, where he gained two scholarships. His exercise for his degree was a cantata to words by his friend Arrigo Boïto. His first engagement was as conductor at Nice. He then went to Paris, where A. Dumas prepared specially for him a libretto for an opera from his 'Trois Mousquetaires.' The score was hardly completed when it was burnt in the siege of the Commune. Mr. Visetti then came to London, where he has since resided, and has devoted himself chiefly to teaching singing. He is Professor of Singing at the Royal College of Music, at the Guildhall School, the Watford School, and various other institutions. He is also director and conductor of the Bath Philharmonic Society, to which he has devoted an immensity of time, money, and ability. Mr. Visetti has published translations of Hullah's 'History of Modern Music,' of Dr. Hueffer's 'Musical Studies,' and of other works. The King of Italy in 1880 conferred on him unsolicited the order of the Corona d' Italia.

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