Note 62 — CHAP. VII.

Pistochi was very famous above fifty Years ago, and refined the Manner of singing in Italy, which was then a little crude. His Merit in this is acknowledged by all his Countrymen, contradicted by none. Briefly, what is recounted of him, is, that when he first appeared to the World, and a Youth, he had a very fine treble Voice, admired and encouraged universally, but by a dissolute Life lost it, and his Fortune. Being reduced to the utmost Misery, he entered into the Service of a Composer, as a Copyist, where he made use of the Opportunity of learning the Rules of Composition, and became a good Proficient. After some Years, he recovered a little Glimpse of Voice, which by Time and Practice turned into a fine Contr'Alto. Having Experience on his Side, he took Care of it, and as Encouragement came again, he took the Opportunity of travelling all Europe over, where hearing the different Manners and Tastes, he appropriated them to himself, and formed that agreeable Mixture, which he produced in Italy, where he was imitated and admired. He at last past many Years, when in an affluent Fortune, at the Court of Anspach, where he had a Stipend, and lived an agreeable easy Life; and at last retired to a Convent in Italy. It has been remark'd, that though several of his Disciples shewed the Improvement they had from him, yet others made an ill use of it, having not a little contributed to the Introduction of the modern Taste.