A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Barbella, Emanuele

by Edward H. Donkin

BARBELLA, Emanuele, violinist. Born at Naples in the earlier part of the 18th century. The following short account of his musical education was written by himself at the request of Dr. Burney, who gives it in his History (iii. 570):—'Emanuele Barbella had the violin placed in his hand when he was only six and a half years old, by his father Francesco Barbella. After his father's decease he took lessons of Angelo Zaga, till the arrival of Pasqualino Bini, a scholar of Tartini, in Naples, under whom he studied for a considerable time, and then worked by himself. His first instructor in counterpoint was Michele Gabbalone; but this master dying, he studied composition under the instructions of Leo, till the time of his death.' He adds, 'Non per questo, Barbella e un vero asino che non sa niente'—'Yet, notwithstanding these advantages, Barbella is a mere ass, who knows nothing.' He wrote six sonatas for violin, and six duos for violin and bass, adhering closely to the principles of Tartini. Burney gives an example of his composition, and says that his tone and manner were 'marvellously sweet and pleasing, even without any other accompaniment than the drone-bass of an open string.' He died at Naples in 1773.

[ E. H. D. ]