Francesco Paolo Tosti

Sir Francesco Paolo Tosti (1846-1916) was an influential Italian composer and music teacher. Born in Ortona, Abruzzo, he studied in Naples and was appointed a student teacher by Saverio Mercadante. His career took off in Rome, where he became the Princess Margherita's singing professor and later the curator of Italy's Musical Archives. His success continued in London, where he became a staple in society and was appointed singing master to the Royal Family. Tosti joined the Royal Academy of Music in 1894, was naturalized as a British citizen in 1906, and received a knighthood in 1908. He returned to Italy in 1913 and died in Rome in 1916. He is remembered for his salon music and never composed opera.