Tosi, Pier Francesco (c. 1653-1732)

Italian castrato, teacher, and composer, son of Giuseppe Tosi (fl. 1677-93). He published a book on florid singing (1723), and wrote an oratorio, and cantatas for voice and harpsichord.

He learnt music from his father and travelled much until 1682, when he settled as singing-master in London. From 1705 to 1711 he was composer at the Imperial court in Vienna. After a further visit to London he finally returned to Italy and was ordained in 1730.