A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Colbran, Isabella

COLBRAN, Isabella Angela, born at Madrid Feb. 2, 1785. Her father was Gianni Colbran, court-musician to the King of Spain. At the age of six she received her first lessons in music from F. Pareja, of Madrid. Three years later, she passed under the care of Marinelli, by whom she was taught until Crescentini undertook to form her voice and style. From 1806 to 15 she enjoyed the reputation of being one of the best singers in Europe. In 1809 she was prima donna seria at Milan, and sang the year after at the Fenice at Venice. Thence she went to Rome, and so on to Naples, where she sang at the San Carlo till 1821. Her voice remained true and pure as late as 1815, but after that time she began to sing excruciatingly out of tune, sometimes flat and sometimes sharp. The poor Neapolitans who knew her influence with Barbaja, the manager, were forced to bear this in silence. She was a great favourite with the King of Naples; her name became a party-word, and the royalists showed their loyalty by applauding the singer. An Englishman asked a friend one night at the San Carlo how he liked Mlle. Colbran: 'Like her? I am a royalist!' he replied. On March 15, 1822, at Castenaso near Bologna, she was married to Rossini, with whom she went to Vienna. In 24 she came with her husband to London, and sang the principal part in his 'Zelmira.' She was then entirely pasée, and unable to produce any effect on the stage; but her taste was excellent, and she was much admired in private concerts. On leaving England, she quitted the stage, and resided at Paris and Bologna. She was herself a composer, and has left a few collections of songs. She died at Bologna Oct. 7, 1845.

[ J. M. ]