A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Begnis, Signora

BEGNIS, Signora Ronzi de, the wife of the above, was possibly the young girl, Claudina Ronzi, born at Paris, Jan. 11, 1800, of whom there is still a record at the Conservatoire in that city, that she was admitted to a singing class March 9, 1809. However this may be, nothing more is known of her until her marriage with De Begnis at Bologna, 1816. In 1819 she made her first appearance at Paris, having sung at most of the principal Italian operas, and for Rossini at the opening of the new theatre at Pesaro in 1818. The Parisians thought her weak, especially as Rosina; but they admit that Donna Anna was never so well sung there by any one else before Sontag undertook it in 1828. It must be said that she received some instruction in the part from Garat, and that she profited by his lessons. In 1822 she came with her husband to London, where her voice and style steadily improved. 'She made her first appearance,' says Lord Mount-Edgecumbe, 'in the Turco in Italia, and acted in it delightfully. With a pretty face and pleasing countenance, she had a voice of great sweetness and flexibility, which she managed with considerable skill and taste. She decidedly excelled in comic parts: indeed, I have rarely seen a better buffa.' In 1824 she was eclipsed by the arrival of Pasta. In 1825 she shared with Madame Vestris the principal parts in the comic operas at the Haymarket Theatre, the temporary retreat of the company; but, soon after the return of Pasta, she fell ill and totally lost her voice, was obliged to throw up her engagement, and returned to Italy. Her death [App. p.542 "took place at Florence June 7, 1853 and"] was announced in the 'Sunday Times,' July 3, 1853.

[ J. M. ]