Caterina Gabrielli

Caterina Gabrielli was a celebrated Italian soprano of the 18th century, born 12 November 1730 in Rome and died in 1796. She studied with García and Porpora and achieved fame for her virtuosic coloratura technique and for being one of the most highly paid and in-demand prima donnas of her era, performing across Italy, Vienna, St. Petersburg and London.

Born Caterina Fatta to a cook in the service of Prince Gabrielli, she assumed his surname as her stage name and was affectionately nicknamed “la cochetta” (“little cook”). Encouraged from childhood in her musical talents, she also studied at the L’Ospedaletto conservatory in Venice. She quickly rose to prominence after early appearances in Lucca in 1747 and Naples in 1750, and in Venice during the 1754–55 season her artistry drew widespread admiration.

Gabrielli became a favorite in Vienna, where she performed works by Gluck and Wagenseil and was described by Charles Burney as “the most intelligent and best-bred virtuosa” he had ever encountered. She continued to premiere important operatic roles throughout Italy, including in works by Galuppi, Latilla, Errichelli and Mysliveček, notably creating the role of Argene in Il Bellerofonte in 1767, which helped secure the composer’s national reputation.

From 1769 she enjoyed great success at the imperial court in St. Petersburg, where she appeared in several operas by Tommaso Traetta and was admired for both her performances and her commanding personality. After disagreements over salary she departed for London in 1775, where she remained in high demand. In Milan in 1780, during performances of Mysliveček’s Armida, she briefly withdrew from the stage to give birth to a daughter.

Gabrielli retired after her final appearances in Venice in 1782 and settled in Italy, where she lived in comfort and devoted herself to charitable causes. Known for her charm, beauty and spirited nature, she inspired numerous stories and literary mentions and left a legacy as one of the most influential sopranos of her century. She died in 1796, with some sources placing her death in Bologna and others in Rome.

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