Jane Bianchi Lacy | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jane Jackson 1776 |
| Died | 19 March 1858(1858-03-19) (aged 81–82) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | soprano singer, pianist, painter |
| Spouse(s) | Francesco Bianchi, William Lacy |
| Children | at least one |
Jane Jackson becameJane Bianchi and laterJane Bianchi Lacy (1776 – 19 March 1858) was a Britishsoprano singer in London andOudh, India. She was also a good pianist, painter and linguist.[1]
Bianchi was born as Jane Jackson, the daughter of a London apothecary named John Jackson.
In 1800 she married the Italian composerFrancesco Bianchi. She became known as the leading singer ofHandel's music and she was often invited toWindsor Castle where she entertainedGeorge III andQueen Charlotte.[2] She composed a song for voice and piano on a poem byPeter Pindar entitledHelen, published possibly in 1805[3] and published again, possibly in 1812.[4] On 12 March 1806, the Austrian composerJoseph Woelfl published "Six English Songs" which he dedicated to Bianchi.[5]
She and Francesco had a daughter who died aged five, shortly after her husband took his own life.[2] He and their daughter were buried in the old Kensington Church, nowSt Mary Abbots, Kensington.[6]
Bianchi married again to another singer named William Lacy. Her English husband had trained in Italy and was abass singer.
In 1813 she again sang at theConcerts of Antient Music where she was paid £126 (see illustration). She had sung at that concert in 1800 when she was "Miss Jackson".[2] At somewhere around this time she published a song, "Winter's beautiful Rose", which she had composed to accompany words byAmelia Opie. She dedicated the work to the Viscountesses Hampden.[7]
They left England and sailed for Calcutta in 1818[1] where they stayed for seven years performing at the court of Oudh.[2] At the time the King of Oudh wasSaadat Ali Khan II.
Whilst she was away she published an unseen work by her first husband in 1820/1821.
Bianchi died inEaling in 1858. Her second husband survived her.
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