Scan 78
Celebrated violinists, past and present; ("The Strad" library), 1897
10 lines. Read by computer on 18 September 2026. Printed page 66. See the scan on archive.org.
1his time, and both in Paris and London he created furore by means of his beautiful tone and his graceful and easy bowing.
3Born at Turin on 27th November, 1727, he learnt from Somis, his master, the art of Corelli, and Tartini's methods, too, influenced him to a great extent. In 1752 he became first violinist of the court band at Turin and leader of the king's private concerts. From 1754 to 1770 he travelled far and near, stayed some years in London, where for a time he was leader of the band at the Italian Opera. He played with enormous success at the Sardinian Court, whence he went to Paris, where he was an admitted rival of Stamitz, Gaviniés and Pagin at the Concerts Spirituels. On his return to Turin he became conductor there. At the same time he laboured as a teacher, numbering among his pupils such players as Viotti, Bruni, Molino, Conforti, Olivieri, Romani, Borra, Borgi, Janitsch, etc. It has been said that all the pupils of Pugnani became admirable orchestral leaders. Pugnani died in 1805.* As a composer Pugnani worked with all the proverbial diligence of the "busy bee." Among his published compositions are nine concertos, fourteen sonatas, six string quartets, six quintets for violins, flutes and basses, two volumes of violin duets, three volumes of trios (with bass), no less than twelve octets for four violins, two oboes and two horns in addition to ten operas, and a number of church works! Fétis describes Pugnani's works as "classical"; but other authorities do not think so highly of them. Wasielewski, for instance, considers them meaningless, sweet but dull, and very monotonous.
5Among many amusing anecdotes the following is told. Pugnani with his odd figure, introduced himself one day to an Italian noble. "Who are you?" asked the latter, before he recognised that Pugnani, the violinist, stood before him.
7"I am Caesar with my violin in my hand" replied the artist with proud grace!
9* This is the latest date given, others being 1798 and 1803.
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