Lucrezia Aguiari Italian opera singer, coloratura soprano Country: Italy

1. Biography of Lucrezia Aguiari
2. Early Life and Education
3. Operatic Career
4. Later Life and Death

Biography of Lucrezia Aguiari

Lucrezia Aguiari was an Italian opera singer, renowned for her coloratura soprano voice. She was born in 1741 in Parma, Italy. Despite being born out of wedlock, Lucrezia overcame her humble origins to become a truly great singer with worldwide acclaim. Her coloratura soprano voice was known for its exceptionally high range, and she gained fame for her incredible speed and accuracy in vocalization.

Early Life and Education

Lucrezia Aguiari's birth was shrouded in mystery due to her unknown parentage. She earned the derogatory stage name "La Bastardina," which reflected her questionable lineage. However, this did not prevent her from becoming a truly remarkable vocalist. It was also unclear why Lucrezia had a limp, with various rumors circulating that she had been injured by a dog or even a pig during her childhood. Lucrezia initially studied singing in Ferrano under the guidance of Brizio Petrucci, and later honed her voice in a monastery in Florence under the mentorship of Abbé Lambertini.

Operatic Career

In 1764, Lucrezia Aguiari made her operatic debut as La Bastardina in Florence. Within a year, she had already performed in Padua, Lucca, and Verona. In 1766, her voice was applauded in Genoa, Parma, and several other venues. The young and talented singer's reputation preceded her wherever she performed. She played the lead role in the world premiere of Giovanni Paisiello's opera "Le nozze di Peleo e Tetide" in Naples in 1768. Shortly after, she triumphantly conquered Milan, Paris, and London.

There are unconfirmed reports of a romantic relationship between Lucrezia and composer Josef Mysliveček during her youth. However, despite numerous mentions in musical literature, it is impossible to verify these claims.

Later Life and Death

In 1780, Lucrezia Aguiari married composer Giuseppe Colla (1731-1806). She retired from the opera stage in 1782 due to deteriorating health. On May 18, 1783, Lucrezia Aguiari passed away at the age of 40. There were various rumors surrounding the untimely death of the opera diva, including allegations of poisoning. However, Lucrezia Aguiari's life was always surrounded by secrecy. The official cause of her death was reported as tuberculosis.