Biography
An Italian composer and virtuosic double-bass performer who resided in London for half a century began his career early. At thirteen he already served as principal bassist for Venice’s Opera Buffa, earning notice for having subdued the instrument’s reputed wildness. His oversized three-string bass viol accompanied him on journeys that first took him to London’s Haymarket Theatre, then onward to Vienna. There he encountered Haydn, Beethoven, and Sechter before returning once more to England. Accounts describe a private performance of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata during which the composer embraced Dragoni at its conclusion. Additional friendships linked him with Paganini, Spohr, Hummel, Liszt, and Rossini. Dragonetti’s own works encompassed thirty string quintets featuring double bass, assorted duets, songs, concertos for the instrument, and further pieces written either unaccompanied or with piano.