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Scan 203
the history of the violin, 1864
4 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 181. See the scan on archive.org.
1to Russia, and died at Moscow, in very reduced circumstances, in 1796. Michael Christian Festing, a German, resided in London about the middle of the century; he was a fine performer, but may be more particularly mentioned with honour as one of the founders of the Royal Society of Musicians. Richard Charke, a dissipated fellow, who married Charlotte, the daughter of Colley Cibber, is said to be the first who composed medley overtures. He treated his wife ill, like a beast, or rather worse, for the animal creation does not indulge, generally, in these abominable practices, except, perhaps, the gigantic salamander, and the spider, and a few others; indeed, as to the spider, it is the lady who is in fault, but at the same time she makes her spouse useful, for when any domestic disturbances arise, she occasionally eats him. Poor Mrs. Charke lived at one time in a state of great penury, and there is an account of her life extant. Barthelemon, born at Bordeaux in 1741, was the leader of the opera band for several years, and was employed by Garrick. He is said to have excelled in the performance of Corelli's solos; he died in London in 1808.
3The celebrated Viotti will be still remembered by some of our readers, for the vigour of his style and the purity of his tone, and his music is still highly esteemed. He was born in Piedmont about the middle of the century, and was the pupil of Pugnani. He came to London about 1792, and succeeded W. Cramer as leader at the opera. Viotti possessed considerable talent independent of his profession, but was also of a somewhat violent and decided disposition, and in 1798, when republican principles were rife, was sent out of the country for some real or supposed political offence, but was allowed to return in 1801; and died in London in 1824. There were several first-rate performers amongst his pupils, most of whom more
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