Francesco Paolo Tosti

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.