Life
Trained at the beginning of the Arcadian period, his long career led him to reach full maturity in an era of great stylistic richness, where Arcadian solidity fused with the elegance of Rococo and the new ideas of the Enlightenment.
Giovanni Stefano Carbonelli was born in Livorno around 1690. He soon moved to London, where he became known as a violinist and conductor. A friend of Handel, he took part in English musical life with great prestige, also becoming an impresario for theatrical and musical shows.
He composed sonatas and pieces for violin, appreciated for their virtuosity and melodic quality. He was appointed conductor of the orchestra at the Covent Garden Theatre and received the protection of English aristocrats. He died in London in 1773.
Aneddoto
From music to wine
After a brilliant career as a violinist and composer, Carbonelli dedicated himself to the wine trade, becoming a respected entrepreneur in London.Works
He composed an important collection of sonatas for violin and basso continuo, published in London. His works, though not numerous, represent a significant contribution to the Italian violin school transplanted to England.
Briciole di storia
The vices of Italians
In the heart of the eighteenth century, Pietro Calepio wrote a Letter on Italian Customs that was translated into French and published in 1728 in the prestigious Bibliothèque Italique. In this text, which became very well known, Calepio did not limit himself to describing Italy in general, but clearly and sincerely denounced various vices of Italian society. Among his sharpest criticisms was the poor functioning of educational institutions and, in particular, the idleness in which most of the nobility lived, considered the cause of their dissoluteness. He also denounced the low consideration given to the female role.
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
