Catherine Tofts

Catherine Tofts (in white), Margherita de l'Épine (with a red muff) and some opera musicians
(Rehearsal of an opera, by Marco Ricci, ca. 1709).

Catherine Tofts (died 1756) was the first English singer who sang Italian opera in England.[1]

About 1704, the competition between Tofts and Margherita de l'Épine was in earnest. Perhaps to illustrate the famed rivalry, Marco Ricci painted L'Épine with her back to Tofts, in the composition Rehearsal of an opera (c.1709) .[2]

Tofts quit the stage in 1709 and married Joseph Smith, English consul at Venice.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Grove, George, ed. A dictionary of music and musicians (1450-1889) (1900) p. 131
  2. ↑ Kuhlman, Erika A. A to Z of Women in World History. "Margherita de L'Epine", pp. 157-159.

See also