Venanzio Rauzzini (1746-1810) enjoyed a multi-faceted career as a singer, composer and concert director. He began his career in Rome in 1765 as a soprano castrato, and quickly established his operatic credentials in various Italian centres before undertaking leading roles in Vienna and Munich. He returned to the Italian peninsula in 1772 and created the role of Cecilio in the premiere of W.A. Mozart's opera, Lucio Silla on 26 December. Mozart was so pleased with Rauzzini's singing that he composed the motet, Exultate jubilate, for the singer. Rauzzini accepted the invitation to become the...