Grisi, Giulia

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Grisi, Giulia (b Milan, 1811; d Berlin, 1869). It. soprano, sister of Giuditta, who taught her. Début in Bologna 1828 as Emma in Rossini's Zelmira. Milan 1831. Created Juliet opposite her sister in I Capuleti e i Montecchi and Adalgisa in Norma. Sang regularly in Paris 1832–49, making her début in the title-role of Semiramide and creating roles of Elvira in I Puritani and Norina in Don Pasquale. London début 1834, singing there every season except 1842, until 1861. US début 1854. One of great singers of her day. Partnered often by the ten. Mario, her lifelong companion, with whom she visited Russ., USA, and Spain. Retired 1861.

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