A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Piozzi, Gabriel

by William H. Husk

PIOZZI, Gabriel, a Florentine of good birth, who, prior to 1781, had established himself in Bath as a music master. He numbered among his pupils the daughters of Henry Thrale, the opulent brewer, and whilst engaged in instructing them won the heart of their widowed mother, whom he married in 1784, a proceeding which drew down upon the lady the wrath of Dr. Johnson, who had been for 20 years the cherished guest of Thrale and herself. After his marriage Piozzi visited Italy with his wife, and, returning to England, lived with her in uninterrupted happiness until his death, which occurred at his residence, Brynbela, Denbighshire, in March, 1809. A Canzonet of his composition for a soprano voice, called 'La Contradizzione,' is printed in the Musical Library, vol. iv.

[ W. H. H. ]