Vincent Novello

NOVELLO, (Francis) Vincent. b. London, 6 September 1781; d. Nice, 9 August 1861. The son of a Piedmontese pastry cook, he went to school in Huitmille, Boulogne, in the early 1790s. From 1793 his training took place as chorister and organist in London’s Roman Catholic embassy chapels. He sang for and studied with Samuel Webbe (I)* the Elder at the Sardinian Embassy Chapel. He deputised as organist for Webbe at the Sardinian and Bavarian Embassies and for John Danby at the Spanish Embassy. It was Webbe who, in 1796 or 1797, recommended him as organist to the Portuguese Embassy Chapel in South Street — a post he held for 25 years to great acclaim and influence. Samuel Wesley (III)* was...