Tosti's Greatest Songs

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Francesco Paolo Tosti's timeless masterpieces with 'Tosti's Greatest Songs'. Released on 15 May 2008 under the Wide Classique label, this captivating album is a treasure trove of Neapolitan and operatic gems. Featuring a rich tracklist, including the poignant 'Ideale', the dramatic 'E' Morto Pulcinella!...', and the serene 'Ave Maria', Tosti's works are beautifully showcased across a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes.

This exquisite collection delves into the realms of canzone napoletana and opera, highlighting Tosti's exceptional skill in crafting emotive and intricate pieces. From the lilting 'Piccolo Notturno' to the passionate 'Amour! Amour!', each song is a testament to the artist's profound understanding of the human experience. With 'Tosti's Greatest Songs', Francesco Paolo Tosti invites you to indulge in a sonic journey of love, loss, and longing, as his sublime compositions transport you to a bygone era of elegance and refinement.

Francesco Paolo Tosti, born in the coastal town of Ortona, Italy, in 1846, was a prolific and influential composer and music teacher, renowned for his enchanting vocal chamber music. Tosti's career spanned both Italy and England, where he served as a singing master to the royal families of both nations and was knighted in 1908. His extensive repertoire of over 400 songs, composed in multiple languages, showcases his mastery of the canzone napoletana and operatic genres. Tosti's melodies, characterized by their direct, simple grace and sensual Italianate vocal lines, have captivated audiences and singers alike, from the legendary Enrico Caruso and Luisa Tetrazzini to modern-day tenors like Pavarotti and Carreras. Beyond his musical prowess, Tosti's legacy is celebrated in his hometown, where a statue stands in his honor, and his memorabilia are preserved in the archives of the Istituto Nazionale Tostiano.