Michael Costa (conductor)

Michael Costa (1808-1884) was a conductor, composer, and arranger of Italian birth who spent most of his career in England. Born in Naples, he studied at the Royal College of Music there and achieved early success as a composer of operas, primarily in Italy.

In 1829, he moved to England to direct the opera at His Majesty's Theatre, initially as a singer but soon taking up the baton. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in the London musical scene. He became conductor of the Philharmonic Society (later the Royal Philharmonic Society) in 1846 and remained in that position until 1854. He also conducted the Italian Opera at Covent Garden from 1847 to 1869, solidifying his reputation as the most influential opera conductor in London during that period. Costa was known for his discipline, precision, and ability to impose his will on the orchestra.

Costa's conducting style was somewhat controversial. While admired for its accuracy and power, it was sometimes criticized for being rigid and lacking in spontaneity. He was a strong advocate for standardizing orchestral performance practice.

His compositions, though well-received in their time, are now largely forgotten. They include the operas Don Carlos (1844) and Eli (1855), as well as oratorios and other vocal works. He also produced extensively revised editions of works by Handel and other composers, sometimes adapting them to contemporary tastes, a practice that is now regarded as less than ideal.

Michael Costa was knighted in 1869 for his services to music. He retired from conducting in 1882 and died in Brighton in 1884.