A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Giuliani, Cecilia

by Julian Marshall

GIULIANI, Cecilia née Bianchi, a somewhat distinguished prima donna in the latter years of the 18th century. She appeared in London (April 5, 1788) in 'Giulio Sabino' with the great Marchesi. With a good figure, face, and style, she had a voice too thin and small for the theatre; and this caused her to force its tones so much that she sang out of tune. Burney says she had 'a bad shake, and affectation.' She continued to sing during another season, after which her place was taken by Mara. In 1790 she was at Milan; and in 91 at Vienna, where she remained till 96. Fétis speaks of her as a brilliant singer, a judgment differing widely from that of Burney and Lord Mount-Edgcumbe.

[ J. M. ]