| Biography | Allan James Foley (Signor Foli) (August 7, 1837 - October 10, 1899), distinguished 19th century Irish bass opera singer, was born at Cahir, Tipperary.
Originally a carpenter, he studied under Bisaccia at Naples and made his first appearance at Catania in 1862. From the opera in Paris he was engaged by Mapleson for the season of 1865, and made his London debut in Les Huguenots. In accordance with the prevailing preference for Italian artists, he changed the spelling (but not the pronunciation) of his name and was always known as 'Signor Foli.'
He appeared with much success in various parts. He performed the role of Daland in the first performance of The Flying Dutchman in England in 1870, and sang in the first performance of Gounod's La Rédemption in 1882. He was famous for his Sparafucile (Rigoletto) and Commendatore (Don Giovanni).
His voice was powerful, but of beautiful quality and great compass. He appeared in oratorio at the principal festivals and sang in opera and at concerts in America, Austria and Russia. He was distinguished for his vigorous, straightforward way of singing, and was a great favourite in London for many years.
Foli was one of the very earliest classical musicians to make a phonograph recording. He did this at The Crystal Palace in 1878 (on or soon after Good Friday, 19 April), and the fact was described and reported in The Times. |