Elisabetta de Gambarini
Elisabetta de Gambarini (September 7, 1731 – February 9, 1765. ) was an English composer, mezzo soprano, organist, harpsichordist, orchestra conductor and painter of the 18th century born in London of an Italian father, Charles Gambarini.
She sang second soprano in Handel's Occasional Oratoria in 1746 and she created the Israelite Woman in Handel's oratorio Judas Maccabaeus at 1 April 1747.[2] Her name also appears in performance scores of Handel's Samson (1741) and Messiah (1743)[3].
Work
Most of the pieces have three movements, the middle movements often characterized by chromatic, ornamented melodies and pathos ,they frequently feature a final movement based on one of the exuberant dance rhythms, typical of the Baroque period.
The subscription list from the original 1747 publication, attests to the popularity of Gambarini’s music. She left two books of harpsichord works, published in 1748-50 :
- Opus 1 : Six sets of lessons for the harpsichord in three movements
- Opus 2 : Lessons for the harpsichord intermixed with Italian and English songs; in one movement only.
Additional works include a keyboard work designated as "Miss Gambarini's Minuet'' in David Rutherford's Compleat Collection of 112 of the Most Celebrated Minuets with their Basses (London, n.d.).[4]
Discography
- Lessons for the harpsichord by Paule van Parys (Pavane ADW7395 )
- Complete works for harpsichord by Anthony Noble
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References
- ↑ Barbara, Harbach. "Six Sonatas for Harpsichord or Piano By Elisabetta de Gambarini". vivacepress. Barbara Harbach.
- ↑ Dean, Winton. "Gambarini, Elisabetta de". Oxford Music Online. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
- ↑ "The Monstrous Regiment of Women: Elisabetta de Gambarini, Composer and Performer". www.monstrousregimentofwomen.com. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
- ↑ Asti, Martha S. "Elisabetta de Gambarini (1736-1765): Composer, Performer, and Patron of the Arts in Eighteenth Century London Society - College Music Symposium". symposium.music.org. Retrieved 2016-03-12.