Francesco paolo tosti biography

Today, he is remembered mostly for his light-hearted songs, which are popular among vocal students. Francesco Paolo Tosti received most of his music education in his native Ortona, Italy, as well as the conservatory in Naples.

Tosti food

He studied violin and composition with Saverio Mercadante, who became so impressed with Tosti that he appointed him a student teacher, which afforded the young man a meagre salary of sixty francs a month. Poor health forced Tosti to leave his studies and return home to Ortona. He was confined to his bed for several months. During this time he composed several songs, two of which he submitted to the Florentine Art Society, and two others he submitted for publication to Ricordi.

All four were rejected. Once recovered from his illness, Tosti moved to Ancona, where his poverty was such that for weeks at a time he subsisted on nothing but oranges and stale bread. His travels brought him to Rome, where his fortunes turned. He met the pianist and composer Giovanni Sgambati, who became his patron. She was so impressed with his performance that she appointed him her singing professor.

She later appointed him curator of the Musical Archives of Italy at the Court. In Tosti travelled to London, England. He made several powerful friends who introduced him to the highest levels of English society. Tosti was a staple in fashionable drawing rooms and salons, and in , he was made singing master to the Royal Family. His fame as a composer of songs grew rapidly while he was in England.

This song became a favourite overnight, and there was an enormous demand for his compositions.