Tosti is remembered for his light, expressive songs, which are characterized by natural, singable melodies and sweet sentimentality. He is also known for his editions of Italian folk songs entitled "Canti popoliari Abruzzesi". His style became very popular during the Belle Époque and is often known as salon music. His most famous works are Serenata (lyrics: Cesareo), Goodbye (lyrics: George J. Whyte Mellville) which is sometimes performed in Italian as Addio (lyrics: Rizzelli), and the popular Neapolitan song, Marechiare, the lyrics of which are by the prominent Neapolitan dialect poet, Salvatore Di Giacomo.
As a composer, Tosti is exceptional. Since the beginning of the recording era, numerous recording artists specializing in classical Italian repertoire have recorded Tosti songs, yet Tosti never composed opera. Notable examples on recording include Alessandro Moreschi (the only castrato who ever recorded) singing "Ideale", Nellie Melba singing "Mattinata" and Jussi Björling singing "L'alba separa dalla luce l'ombra".
Francesco Paolo Tosti received most of his music education in his native Ortona, Italy, as well as the conservatory in Naples. Tosti began his music education at the Royal College of San Pietro a Majella at the age of eleven. He studied violin with Pinto and composition with Saverio Mercadante,who became so impressed with Tosti that he appointed him student teacher, which afforded the young man a meagre salary of sixty francs a month. Poor health forced Tosti to leave his studies and return home to Ortona. He was confined to his bed for several months. During this time he composed several songs, two of which he submitted to the Florentine Art Society, and two others he submitted for publication to Ricordi. All four were rejected.
Once recovered from his illness, Tosti moved to Ancona, where his poverty was such that for weeks at a time he subsisted on nothing but oranges and stale bread. His travels brought him to Rome, where his fortunes turned. He met the pianist and composer Giovanni Sgambati, who became his patron. Sgambati arranged for Tosti to give a concert at the Sala Dante at which the Princess Margherita of Savoy (who later became Queen of Italy) was present. She was so impressed with his performance that she appointed him her singing professor. She later appointed him curator of the Musical Archives of Italy at the Court.[2]
In 1875 Tosti traveled to London, England. He made several powerful friends who introduced him to the highest levels of English society. Tosti was a staple in fashionable drawing rooms and salons, and in 1880, he was made singing master to the Royal Family. His fame as a composer of songs grew rapidly while he was in England. One of his compositions, For ever and ever was introduced by Violet Cameron at the Globe Theatre. This song became a favorite overnight, and there was an enormous demand for his compositions. By 1885 he was the most popular composer of songs in England. His publishers paid him a staggering retaining fee for twelve songs a year.
In 1894 Tosti joined the Royal Academy of Music as a professor. In 1906, he became a British citizen and was knighted two years later by his friend, King Edward VII. In 1913 he returned to Italy to spend his last years there. He died in Rome on December 2, 1916.
Luna d'estate
Francesco Paolo Tosti Lyrics
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Luna d'estate is a beautiful Italian song composed by Francesco Paolo Tosti. The song is an ode to the summer season and the magic of the moonlight of summer nights. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a serene summer evening under the moonlight. The singer is lost in thought, staring at the shimmering moon, and reminiscing about the sweet memories of the past. The song encapsulates the essence of summer and how it can evoke deep emotions of love and nostalgia.
The song begins with the line "Luna d'estate, speranza mia!" which translates to "Summer moon, my hope!" The singer feels a deep sense of longing and hope, looking up at the moon, as if the moon has the power to fulfill their desires. The moon is described as gentle, shining brightly in the sky, casting a glow on everything around it. The singer then pleads with the moon to enable his lover's heart to be filled with the same deep emotions of love and longing.
The song is beautifully written with vivid imagery and emotive language that skillfully captures the essence of summer nights. Tosti's composition is a masterpiece that captures the magical atmosphere of summer nights under the moonlight in Italy. The captivating beauty of the song and its lyrics is why Luna d'estate is considered to be one of Tosti's most popular works.
Line by Line Meaning
Luna d'estate che ami tanto il mare,
Oh, summer moon, who loves the sea so much
tu t'innamori del primo pescatore
you fall in love with the first fisherman
che passa ad ondeggiar sulla tua brezza,
who passes swaying on your breeze
gli dài un bacio ardente e vai via
you give him a burning kiss and go away
Luna d'estate che ami tanto il mare,
Oh, summer moon, who loves the sea so much
dove vai, dove vai? perchè tu non pari mai.
Where are you going? Why do you never appear?
Tu sei un angelo biondo che noi vorremmo tanto,
You are a blonde angel that we would want so much
luna d'estate, del nostro sogno incanto.
Summer moon, of our enchanted dream
Contributed by Claire M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@angelamariarigoli6997
ma che bella romanza! non l'avevo mai sentita!
@louise-marielaporte4715
j'ai toujours aimé cette chanson!
@phyllisramsey9531
I like Tosti songs and Carlo Bergonzi sings this beautifully!
@ercole919
Il grande Bergonzi....