Francesco Paolo Tosti (April 9, 1846 - Dec. 2, 1916) was a composer and music teacher, born in Ortona, Italy. Tosti's musical education started at age 11, at the Royal College of San Pietro a Majella, where he studied both violin and composition. He also studied at the conservatory in Naples as well, but illness forced him to return home for a while.

After recovering from his illness, Tosti lived in Ancona, in near poverty before his luck changed upon going to Rome. He met composer and pianist Giovanni Sgambati, who became his patron. Later on Tosti travelled to London and became a regular in salons, and was eventually made Singing Master to the Royal Family. His compositions, which were primarily songs, were all the rage in his time.

Summer is a short, sweet song in F major. The piano starts with a short ascending introduction before the singer comes in on a simple motif; a major third and then a descending scale. They repeat two stanzas, revolving around the idea of summer "calling us to love", before going off and elaborating and augmenting the melody on the syllable "ah", which is known as a vocalise. It's a sweet, sentimental piece.

Here's a recording of this piece for you to enjoy!

William Matteuzzi