A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Marchisio, The Sisters

by Alexis Chitty

MARCHISIO, The Sisters, both born at Turin—Barbara Dec. 12, 1834, Carlotta Dec. 6, 1836—were taught singing there by Luigi Fabbrica, and both made their débuts as Adalgisa, the elder (who afterwards became a contralto) at Vienna in 1856, the younger at Madrid. They played at Turin in 1857–58, and made great success there as Arsace and Semiramide; also on a tour through Italy, and at the Paris Opera on the production of 'Semiramis' July 9, 1860. They first appeared in England with great success at Mr. Land's concerts, St. James's Hall, Jan. 2 and 4, 1862, in duets of Rossini and Gabussi, and made a concert tour through the provinces with Mr. Willert Beale. They also made a success in 'Semiramide' at Her Majesty's, May 1, 1860, on account of their excellent duet singing, though separately their voices were coarse and harsh, their appearance insignificant, and they were indifferent actresses. Carlotta played the same season Isabella in 'Robert,' June 14, and Donna Anna July 9. They sang also at the Crystal Palace, twice at the New Philharmonic, at the Monday Popular, etc. They sang together for some time abroad. Carlotta married a Viennese singer, Eugen Kuh (1835–75), who sang with her in concerts, and at Her Majesty's in 1862 under the name of Coselli, and who afterwards became a pianoforte manufacturer at Venice. She died at Turin June 28, 1872. Barbara, we believe, retired from public life on her marriage.

[ A. C. ]