Enrico Toselli, Count of Montignoso (March 13, 1883 – January 15, 1926),[1] was an Italian pianist and composer. Born in Florence, he studied piano with Giovanni Sgambati and composition with Giuseppe Martucci and Reginaldo Grazzini. He embarked on a career as a concert pianist, playing in Italy, European capital cities, Alexandria and North America.[2]
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His most popular composition is Serenata 'Rimpianto' Op.6 No.1.[2] His other works include two operettas, La cattiva Francesca (1912) and La principessa bizzarra (1913).[2]
Toselli's fame largely derives not from his musical ability but from his scandalous elopement with Archduchess Louise of Austria, the former Crown Princess of Saxony, in 1907.[2] She had previously deserted her husband, Frederick Augustus of Saxony, and they had divorced in 1903. Her ex-husband became king of Saxony in 1904.
Toselli's marriage ended in divorce in 1912.[3] They had one son, Carlo Emanuele (7 May 1908 – 1969).
Toselli's memoirs of his marriage to royalty, Mari d’altesse: 4 ans de mariage avec Louise de Toscane, ex-princesse de Saxe, were published in French after his divorce. He died of consumption in 1926 at the relatively young age of 43.
References
- Luisa di Toscana. La mia storia, Societa' Editrice Italiana, Milano (1911).
- Enrico Toselli. Mari d’altesse: 4 ans de mariage avec Louise de Toscane, ex-princesse de Saxe, Albin Michel Éditeur, Paris (1912).
- Enrico Toselli. Il mio matrimonio con Luisa di Sassonia, Italian translation by Paolo Reni, Societa' Editrice Italiana, Milano (1912).
- Leonardo Previero. Enrico Toselli, Il musicista della Serenata, Edizioni Polistampa, Firenze (1997).