Nicolini (real name, Nicolo Grimaldi)

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Nicolini (real name, Nicolo Grimaldi)

Nicolini (real name, Nicolo Grimaldi), renowned Italian castrato alto; b. Naples (baptized), April 5, 1673; d. there, Jan. 1, 1732. He studied with Provenzale in Naples, making his debut there as a page in his La Stellidaura vendicata (1685); then entered the Cappella del Tesoro di S. Gennaro at Naples Cathedral (1690) and the Naples Royal Chapel (1691). He appeared in opera in Naples (1697–1724) and also in Venice (1700–1731), being made a Knight of the Order of San Marco (1705). He made his London debut at the Queen’s Theatre in Haym’s arrangement of A. Scarlatti’s Pirroe Demetrio (Dec. 14, 1708), and subsequently was its leading singer until 1712; he created Handel’s Rinaldo (Feb. 24, 1711). He returned to London to create Handel’s Amadigi (May 25, 1715), singing there until 1717. He then pursued his career in his homeland, remaining active until his death. At the zenith of his career, he was held in the highest esteem by his contemporaries, being celebrated for his remarkable vocal gifts and dramatic abilities.

—Nicolas Slomnisky/Laura Kaun/Dennis McIntire

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