Vincent Novello

Full biography Vincent Novello

Vincent Novello was an English musician and music publisher who was born in London on September 6 , 1781, and passed away on August 9, 1861. He was a chorister and organist who was known for his skills in playing both instruments. Novello is primarily remembered for his contributions to the world of music publishing, having founded the Novello music publishing house.

During his career, Novello served as an organist at several churches in England between 1797 and 1822, including at the Portuguese Chapel in Southwark, St. Mary Moorfields, and the Sardinian Chapel in Lincoln's Inn Fields. He was also a successful and popular musician throughout his lifetime and was a prolific composer , although his daughter Mary wrote that his compositions were "over-adorned" and showed "excessive zeal in counterpoint."

In addition to his work as a musician and composer , Novello was also a respected music publisher who was known for his efforts to bring the music of hitherto-unknown European composers to the English-speaking world. He founded the music publishing house that bears his name in 1811, which went on to become one of the leading music publishers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Novello’s legacy as a music publisher is especially notable for his editions of the works of Handel, Bach, and Mendelssohn.

Vincent Novello left behind an impressive collection of autographed scores and letters that provide a fascinating insight into his life and work. Today, his musical contributions and accomplishments continue to be celebrated and remembered by music enthusiasts and scholars alike.