Fabri, Annibale Pio

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Fabri, Annibale Pio

Fabri, Annibale Pio, famous Italian tenor, known as “II Bolognese” and “II Balino”; b. Bologna, 1697; d. Lisbon, Aug. 12, 1760. He studied with Pistocchi. While in the service of Prince Ruspoli in Rome, he sang female roles in operas by Caldara (1711); then made his public debut in Bologna in 1716. He quickly gained renown for his performances throughout Italy (1716–28); then was engaged by Handel for the King’s Theatre in London, making his debut there in Handel’s Lotario on Dec. 2, 1729, creating the role of Berengario. During his 2 seasons in London, he also created the roles of Handel’s Emilio in Partenope (1730) and Alexander in Poro (1731). He subsequently appeared throughout Italy again, and then retired in Lisbon as a member of the royal chapel. He was also a composer; was elected to membership in the Accademia Filarmonica in Bologna in 1719 and from 1725 to 1750 served intermittently as its president.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire