A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Crivelli, Gaetano

by Julian Marshall

CRIVELLI, Gaetano, an excellent tenor of the old school, born at Bergamo in 1774. He made his first appearance when very young; and married at the age of 19. In 1793 he was at Brescia, where he was admired for his fine voice and large manner of phrasing. He was engaged to sing at Naples in 1795, where he remained several years, profiting greatly by the opportunities of hearing the best singers, and by the advice of good masters, especially of Aprile. From thence he went to Rome, Venice, and at last to Milan, where he sang at La Scala with Banti, Marchesi, and Binaghi, in the carnival of 1805. In 1811 he succeeded Garcia at the Italian Opera in Paris, where he produced a great effect in the 'Pirro' of Paisiello, in which he first appeared. His superb voice, excellent method, and nobly expressive style of acting, combined to make him a most valuable acquisition to the stage. He remained there until Feb. 1817. He then came to London, and helped to make that a brilliant season at the opera. He had, according to Lord Mount-Edgcumbe, 'a sonorous mellow voice, and a really good method of singing, but he was reckoned dull, met with no applause, and staid only one year.' In 1819 and 20 he sang with success at La Scala in Milan; but in the latter year signs of decay were apparent in his voice, which became more evident when he appeared in that town in Lent, 1823. In 25, at Velluti's suggestion, Ebers sent for him to take part in 'Teobaldo ed Isolina'; but the opera was not performed. For six years he presented the painful spectacle of a worn-out singer before the public of small provincial towns. In 1829 he sang, perhaps for the last time, at Florence; and died at Brescia July 10, 1836.

[ J. M. ]