Antonio Tamburini

Overview

Antonio Tamburini (1800-1876) was a celebrated Italian operatic baritone, one of the greatest singers of the bel canto era. He was a member of the legendary "Puritani Quartet" alongside soprano Giulia Grisi, tenor Giovanni Battista Rubini, and bass Luigi Lablache.

Historical Context

• Born March 28, 1800, in Faenza, Papal States (Italy)
• Died November 8, 1876, in Nice, France
• Career spanned the golden age of Italian opera
• Starred in works by Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini
• Retired from the operatic stage in 1855
• Sang Rossini's Figaro in Nice in 1860
• Lived in retirement in Nice until his death

Relevance to Marie

His daughter Mme Bonnin organized a requiem mass for him about a month after his death (December 10, 1876). Marie attended in "grande toilette noire" and noted that "les églises et les chants funèbres sont de vraies fêtes pour moi." Tamburini's death and funeral were a significant cultural event in Nice's musical community.

References in Diary

• First mentioned: 1876-12-10 (requiem mass, carnet 067)