Francesco Paolo Tosti Biography

The Italian song composer and singing teacher Paolo Tosti is chiefly and widely remembered for his famous song known as Tosti's Farewell. Born in Naples, he established himself in Rome, moving in 1880 to London, where he became singing teacher to the royal family and in 1894 professor of singing at the Royal Academy of Music. He was naturalised in 1906, and knighted in 1908, finally returning to Italy, where he spent his final four years. His drawing-room ballads found particular favour in England in the late 19th century.