Domenico Dragonetti in England (1794-1846): The Career of a Double Bass Virtuoso

by Fiona M. Palmer

Overview

Domenico Dragonetti (1763-1846) was the most famous double-bass player in history. He dominated the English musical world for just over half a century. This critical biography explores his extraordinary career as musician, composer, entrepreneur, and pedagogue.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198165910
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	11/28/1997
Pages:	302
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)
Lexile:	1490L (what's this?)

About the Author

Fiona Palmer is a double bassist in the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, New Zealand.

Table of Contents

List of Plates		viii	(1)
List of Tables and Diagrams		viii	(1)
Note on Editorial Policy		viii	(1)
Abbreviations		ix	(2)
Library Sigla		xi
Introduction		1	(6)
PART I: BIOGRAPHY AND PERFORMANCE		7	(90)
1 Dragonetti's Venetian Connections		7	(15)
2 Dragonetti's English Years		22	(41)
3 Dragonetti as a Performer		63	(34)
PART II: EMPLOYMENT CASE-STUDIES		97	(136)
4 The King's Theatre		97	(25)
5 The Ancient Concerts		122	(20)
6 The Philharmonic Society		142	(44)
7 Miscellaneous Metropolitan Concerts		186	(20)
8 Provincial Engagements: Music Festivals		206	(16)
9 Epilogue: Dragonetti's Death and Estate		222	(11)
APPENDICES		233	(31)
I Dragonetti's Will		233	(7)
II Dragonetti's Bank Account with Coutts & Co. 1840-53		240	(10)
III Dragonetti's Compositions		250	(7)
IV Dragonetti's Residences in London		257	(7)
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY		264	(21)
I Manuscript Sources		264	(3)
II Published Sources and Dissertations		267	(18)
Index		285

Editorial Reviews

A comprehensive use of manuscript sources provided the basis for this discussion of the life and work of a remarkable and charismatic musician, whose unprecedented virtuosity elevated the double-bass to a new standard. Part I, biography and performance, looks at Dragonetti the man, his performance technique as evidenced by his compositions, and his significance in musical history. Part II profiles his various professional employment situations, providing insight into the musician in London's marketplace during the late 18th and mid-19th centuries. Contains b&w plates showing manuscripts, concert announcements, portraits; and appendices relating to his will, bank accounts, compositions, and residences. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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