Bianchi, Francesco

views updated

Bianchi, Francesco (b Cremona, c.1752; d Hammersmith, 1810). It. composer of over 80 operas and oratorios. Worked at It. Opera in Paris under Piccinni, 1775. From 1785 to 1797 was 2nd org. at St Mark's, Venice. Went to London 1794. Wrote opera Ines de Castro for It. début of Elizabeth Billington, 1794. Cond. in Dublin, 1797–1801. Among operas are Semiramide (1790), Acis and Galatea (1792), and Alzira (1801). Took own life.