Giulia Grisi, an Italian singer, born in Milan in 1812, died in Berlin, Nov. 25, 1869. She was the daughter of Gaetano Grisi, who was an officer of engineers, and niece of the singer Grassini; and she was assisted in her musical studies by her elder sister Giuditta, who was also a celebrated singer. On her debut in Bologna at the age of 17 she made a great impression by the grace and loveliness of her person, her intelligence, and fine vocal abilities. In 1832 she took the part of Adalgisa on the first representation of Bellini's Norma at Milan, and shared with Pasta, who personated Norma, the triumph of the occasion. She had previously entered into a contract with Lanari, the impresario at Florence, to sing for him for six years at a very moderate salary; but finding that her talents could command higher pay elsewhere, she secretly fled to France to avoid her obligations. In Paris, through the influence of Rossini, she was engaged as prima donna of the Italian opera; and in 1834 her debut in London was very successful.

In the parts of Norma, Semiramide, Lucrezia Borgia, and Elvira in I Puritani, she showed dramatic capacities which rendered her scarcely less attractive as an actress than as a singer; while in the buffo music of II barbiere di Seviglia, Don Pasquale, or Cenerentola, she was almost equally successful. In August, 1854, in company with Signor Mario, she visited the United States. In 1836 she married in London M. de Melcy, but retained in her profession her former name. The marriage was unhappy and was judicially dissolved. Mme. Grisi subsequently married Mario.