Vincent Novello (1781–1861)

'This book is the first modern account of Vincent Novello in which we learn for the first time the extent of his life as a professional musician. In the first part of Palmer’s painstaking study, we learn much of Novello, his life and the artistic world in which he moved, richly enhanced by the little-documented correspondence of family members and professional colleagues. In the second part of the book we learn more of Novello’s work at the Portuguese Embassy in London, his work as a composer, and of his work as an editor. This is a pioneering study.' Jeremy Dibble, University of Durham ’The level of reference Palmer has amassed in this volume is nothing short of astounding . . . [she] has an engaging writing style, and her anecdotes and descriptions of Novello’s social circle, working habits, and goals and aspirations make for fascinating reading . . . her accomplishment is considerable: she has organized the life of Vincent Novello and lucidly described his importance for English music in the nineteenth century.’ Music and Letters ’... a very readable history of this important family.’ The Delian ’Anyone familiar with the career of that indefatigable early 19th-century organist, composer and editor, Vincent Novello, cannot fail to be impressed by Fiona Palmer’s new study of his life and work. Over one thousand footnotes (occupying almost a quarter of the pages) stand as proof of her diligence and grasp of the extensive source material: an abundance of letters, notebooks, diaries and family documents, music manuscripts and published scores....I must end by heartily commending this book to all those with an interest in musical life in 19th-century London, and congratulating the author on her splendid achievement in so successfully rehabilitating this hitherto rather shadowy figure.’ North American British Music Studies Association Newsletter ’Fiona M. Palmer's intensively researched and clearly written Vincent Novello (1781-1861): Music fo