Giuseppe Millico Italian singer (castrato), composer and teacher Date of Birth: 19.01.1737 Country: Italy

1. Biography of Giuseppe Millico
2. Early Career
3. Collaboration with Christoph Willibald Gluck
4. Career in London
5. Composer and Music Teacher
6. Later Years

Biography of Giuseppe Millico

Giuseppe Millico was an Italian singer (castrato), composer, and music teacher. He was born in 1737 in Terlizzi, near Bari, Italy. In 1754, he moved to Naples, where he lived until his death.

Early Career

Millico's first public performance took place in 1757 in Rome. He gained recognition as a castrato with a rich soprano voice. During his time in Russia from 1758 to 1765, he not only performed but also taught music, giving harpsichord lessons to Pavel Petrovich, the future Paul I of Russia.

Collaboration with Christoph Willibald Gluck

In 1769, Millico was chosen by composer Christoph Willibald Gluck to adapt the role of Orpheus in his opera "Orfeo ed Euridice" for a performance in Parma. The original version of the opera was written for a different castrato alto, Gaetano Guadagni, but Millico now performed the soprano part. Millico also collaborated with Antonio Sacchini in the opera "Armida," which premiered at the Teatro Regio Ducale in Milan.

Career in London

After his successful collaboration with Gluck and Sacchini, Millico moved to London, where he found employment at the King's Theatre. He gained particular renown for his performances in Gluck's operas, including "La Feste d'Apollo" and "Paride ed Elena," as well as his librettos. He also performed in Venice, Florence, Rome, and Milan before returning to Naples in 1780.

Composer and Music Teacher

In Naples, Millico became a popular composer and music teacher. He led the Royal Chapel in Naples from 1780 and had notable students, including renowned soprano Agata Carrara. Millico composed eight operas, most of which premiered in Naples. His works include "La Pieta d'Amore" ("Mercy of Love"), "Zelinda," "L'Avventura benefica," "Ipermnestra," and "Le Cinesi" ("The Chinese Women"). He also composed several cantatas, ariettas, canzonettas, and romanzas.

Later Years

Giuseppe Millico passed away in Naples on October 2, 1802. His contributions as a castrato, composer, and music teacher left a lasting impact on the music world, particularly in his collaborations with Gluck and his operatic compositions.