A Biographical Dictionary of Fiddlers di A. Mason Clarke
3 18 Biographical [Dictionary of Fiddlers.
solo at the bottom of the choir, desiring Lanzelli, the violoncellist of Turin, to accompany him; when he played it in such a manner as to extort " E viva 1" in the public church. Whenever he was about to make a close, he turned to Laurentii, and called out " Cosi si suona per fare il primo violino," "This is the way to play the first fiddle. ' Many silly stories of a similar description were handed about Italy, concerning the arrogance of this performer, who was usually complimented with the title " Capo pazzo." Veracini would instruct no one, except a nephew, who died young. The only master he had himself in his youth, was the before-mentioned Antonia Veracini, of Florence; but by travelling all over Europe he acquired a style of playing peculiar to himself. Besides being in the service of the King of Poland, he was a considerable time at the different Courts of Germany. During his stay in England at the time of Farinelli, he composed several operas. Burney mentions having himself heard him lead a band at a concert at Hickford's room, in such a bold and masterly manner as he had never before witnessed. Soon after this Veracini was shipwrecked and lost his two Steiner violins, which he stated were the best in the world, and all his effects. In his usual light way he used to call one of
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Biographical Dictionary Fiddlers Lanzelli Turin Laurentii Cosi Many Italy Capo Veracini Antonia Veracini Florence Europe King Poland Courts Germany England Farinelli Hickford Veracini Steiner The Besides During Soon
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