BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Wednesday, July 24, 1822

The Wiener Zeitung of July 26, 1822 at p.679 notes, “Hr. David, Singer, to Lucca” in the Departures column for today. As indicated last week, the administration of the theater managed to prevail upon its star performer, Giovanni David, to stay in Vienna for the two additional operatic performances on Monday the 22nd and Tuesday the 23rd. Also listed as departing today in the same newspaper is “Hr. [Antonio] Ambrogi, Singer, to Naples.” Ambrogi, a bass, had most notably sung the role of King Polidoro in Zelmira and the Mayor in La gazza ladra to great acclaim.

Art dealer T.Mollo advertises today in the Wiener Zeitung “Rossini’s Newest Composition, under the title “La Partenza” for solo voice, accompanied by pianoforte.” This would be “Addio ai Viennesi,” described in our July 20th entry. Mollo goes on, “Rossini leaves Vienna, marking this moment with his catchy melody! Who would not be interested in these sounds? With this in mind, the publishing house hastens to print the newest product of the loveliest genius of our art-loving public, which has only just appeared.”

Addio ai Viennesi performed by Jack Swanson and Gianni Fabbrini: