The Improvisation of Poetry, 1750 – 1850
A database of commentaries on improvisational performance
Luzio summarizes the correspondence between Teresa Bandettini (Amarilli Etrusca) and the Abbot Saverio Bettinelli. Bandettini’s letters describe her poetry and performances in glowing terms, but the critic finds her work mediocre. While Luzio admires the fact that she continued to perform her poetry to support her family financially, her verses remain boring and tiresome.
Piozzi describes her experience of poetic improvisation in Italy. While visiting Ferrara, she recalls the performance of the improvisatore Talassi in London in 1770, which brings about reflections on the practice of poetic improvisation in general. In Florence, she notes the fading voice of the aging Corilla, whose character however remains as sharp and humorous as ever, and emphasizes the charm of the younger and more beautiful Fantastici. Piozzi also praises the talents of the Abate Lorenzi and the Abate Bertola and comments on written and oral improvisation of Latin verses.