Friday, January 28, 2022

January 28 - Giovanni Battista Velluti; Ferdinand Hérold (The Musical Birthday Series, 3rd Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for January 28th are here: John Tavener (2020) and Artur [Arthur] Rubinstein; Johann Ernst Bach (2021)

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Giovanni Battista Velluti (28 January 1780 – 22 January 1861), was an Italian castrato.  



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operation

...a local doctor castrated him at the age of eight as treatment for a cough and high fever. -- Wikipedia

At times it is best to think twice

Before taking your doctor’s advice.

It’s best to demur

From a surgical cure,

When a pill and some rest might suffice.

 

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Productivity

 

Upon his retirement from the stage, he became an agriculturist and died in 1861. -- Wikipedia


Giovanni Battista Velluti, it seems,

  Was “the last of the great castratos.”

He retired from the stage and its squabbling schemes,

  And quietly planted tomatoes.

 

 

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Ferdinand Hérold (28 January 1791 – 19 January 1833) was a French composer, best known for his many operas and ballets.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanging In There


The overture to Zampa by

  Ferdinand Hérold,

Is now the only reason why

  His music has a hold.


Alas, Hérold, you once stood tall

  With masters of your day,

And now this noisy piece is all

  That anyone will play.

 

 

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