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Nicolo GrimaldiItalian mezzo-soprano singer, castrato
Date of Birth: 05.04.1673
Country:  Italy |
Content:
Biography of Nicolo Grimaldi
Nicolo Grimaldi, also known as Nicolini, was an Italian mezzo-soprano singer and castrato. He was born in 1673 in Naples, Italy. Like many opera singers of his time, Nicolo underwent the procedure of castration in his childhood, which resulted in his divine mezzo-soprano voice that remained unchanged throughout his life.
Early Career
In 1685, Nicolo Grimaldi, using his stage name Nicolini, made his debut on the stage in his hometown of Naples. Between 1697 and 1731, Nicolini performed in numerous opera productions in various Italian cities. He worked with renowned composers such as Alessandro Scarlatti, Nicola Porpora, Leonardo Vinci, and Johann Adolf Hasse. Nicolini's exceptional mezzo-soprano voice could also be heard in religious music performances at the Royal Chapel and the Cathedral in Naples.
Collaboration with Handel
Nicolini collaborated with many other composers including Pollarolo, Ariosti, Lotti, Giovanni, Albinoni, Leo, and Riccardo Broschi. However, he is most remembered for his association with the great George Frideric Handel. Nicolini performed in two of Handel's early operas. In 1708, he made his first appearance in London, where he aimed to please the demanding London critics and audience, whose judgment often determined the fate of Italian opera productions. It was in London that Nicolini sang for Handel, thus contributing to the success of the renowned composer. Their strong bond continued throughout the years.
Later Years and Legacy
Nicolini's exceptional talent as both a singer and an actor earned him praise as the greatest performer of dramatic music in history. Between 1727 and 1730, he performed alongside the celebrated castrato Farinelli in Italy. In 1731, Nicolini planned to sing in the first opera by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi titled "Salustia" in Naples. However, he fell ill during rehearsals and tragically passed away on January 1, 1732.
Nicolini's legacy lives on through his extraordinary performances and his significant contribution to the success of composers such as Handel. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest opera singers and actors of all time.
