Nicola Tacchinardi

Who was Nicola Tacchinardi?

Nicola Tacchinardi, was an Italian cellist and tenor, and later voice teacher.

Tacchinardi was born at Livorno, began his career as a cellist at the Teatro della Pergola in Florence, and later turned to singing, making his debut as a tenor in Livorno in 1804.

He quickly appeared throughout Italy and made in 1805, his debut at La Scala in Milan. He sang at the Théâtre-Italien in Paris from 1811 until 1814, to considerable acclaim in operas by Niccolo Zingarelli, Ferdinando Paer, Giovanni Paisiello, Antonio Salieri, and Mozart. Later, upon his return in Italy, he was much admired in Rossini roles, notably as Otello.

Tacchinardi retired from the stage in 1831, and turned to teaching. Amongst his students was his daughter, soprano Fanny Tacchinardi Persiani, who went on to create the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor. He died at Florence.