Felice Giardini
An Italian violinist whose fiery talent conquered London's stages and whose catchy tunes defined the sound of 18th-century English entertainment.
1716–1796 (age 80)·Italian composer·Birthday: April 12
Biography
Felice Giardini arrived in London in 1750 as a virtuoso, and the city's music scene was never the same. With a technique said to combine Italian sweetness with astonishing force, he quickly became the star of the opera orchestra and a sought-after soloist. But Giardini was more than a performer; he was a shrewd musical entrepreneur. He took over management of the Italian opera, composed prolifically, and became the central figure in the city's concert life. His compositions, particularly his violin sonatas and the delightful overture to 'The Enchanter,' were crafted for immediate pleasure—melodic, graceful, and perfectly suited to the rising middle-class appetite for domestic music-making. For decades, his influence was so pervasive that to hear music in London was often to hear music shaped by Giardini. His later years, marked by financial misadventures and declining popularity, saw him die in Moscow, far from the adoring crowds he once commanded.
#1 When Felice Was Born
The biggest hits of 1716
Felice's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1716Born
1721Started school
1729Became a teenager
1732Could drive
1734Could vote
1737Turned 21
1746Turned 30
1756Turned 40
1766Turned 50
1776Turned 60
1786Turned 70
1796Turned 80
Key Achievements
- Composed the popular opera 'The Enchanter' and its widely played overture for the London stage.
- Published numerous successful collections of sonatas and trios that were staples of amateur musicians' repertoires.
- Served as the concertmaster and later impresario of the Italian Opera in London for many seasons.
- Was a founding member and leading performer in the annual concert series for the Foundling Hospital, alongside Handel.
Did You Know?
He famously quarreled with opera composer Christoph Willibald Gluck during rehearsals, reportedly telling Gluck his violin knew more about composition than Gluck did.
A skilled businessman, he also imported and sold Italian violins and piano-fortes in London.
His attempt to run a opera company in Naples later in life failed disastrously, leading to significant debt.
“Let the violin sing, not scream; true power lies in the restrained hand.”
