A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Cervetto

by George Grove

CERVETTO. The name of two eminent violoncello players of the last century.

1. It was the sobriquet of Giacomo Bassevi, born in Italy 1682. He came to England and joined the orchestra of Drury Lane in 1728. The cello was not then known in England, but Cervetto, though his tone is said to have been coarse and his execution not remarkable, made it a popular instrument. Probably there was something genial and attractive in the personality of the man. He had a very large nose, and it was a favourite joke to call to him from the gallery, 'Play up, nosey'—an expression still heard in the theatres. That he was a man of humour is shewn by an anecdote given in the books. Garrick was playing a drunken man, and ended by throwing himself into a chair. At this moment, the house being quite still, Cervetto gave a long and loud yawn, on which Garrick started up, and coming to the footlights demanded furiously what he meant. 'I beg your pardon,' said Cervetto, 'but I always gape when I am particularly enjoying myself.' He became manager of Drury Lane, and died January 14, 1783, over 100, leaving £20,000 to his son.

2. James, who was born in London 1758 or 9. He made his first appearance when 11 years old at a concert at the Haymarket Theatre, when all the performers were children. Among them were Giardini (11), Gertrude Schmähling (9)—afterwards the celebrated Madame Mara, but then a violin player—and Miss Burney, sister of the authoress of 'Evelina.' (Pohl's 'Haydn in London,' 339.) Up to the death of his father he played at the professional concerts and other orchestras of the day, Crosdill being his only rival; but after that event he retired upon his fortune, and died Feb. 5, 1837, leaving a few unimportant pieces for his instrument behind him.

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