Tosti, (Francesco) Paolo (1846–1916)

Italian singing teacher and composer. In 1880 he settled in London as singing teacher to the royal family. His songs were highly popular in his day, and include ‘At Vespers’, ‘Forever’, and ‘Goodbye’.

He studied at Naples under Saverio Mercadante (1795–1870) and others from 1858 and was appointed a student-teacher, remaining until 1869. During a long illness at home he wrote his first songs. He then went to Rome, where Sgambati helped him to give a concert and Princess Margherita of Savoy (afterwards queen of Italy) appointed him her singing-master. In 1875 he first visited London, returning each year until 1880, where he remained and taught singing to the royal family.

Works Songs Italian, English, and French songs, including ‘Non m'ama più’, ‘Lamento d'amore’, ‘Aprile’, ‘Vorrei morire’, ‘Forever’, ‘Goodbye’, ‘Mother’, ‘At Vespers’, ‘That Day’, ‘Mattinata’, ‘Serenata’.

Other vocal Canti popolari abruzzesi for vocal duet.