Mazzinghi, Joseph

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Mazzinghi, Joseph

Mazzinghi, Joseph , English pianist and composer of Corsican descent; b. London, Dec. 25, 1765; d. Downside, near Bath, Jan. 15, 1844. He was the son of Thomas Mazzinghi, a wine merchant, who played violin at Marylebone Gardens and was active as a composer. He studied with J.C. Bach in London. Mazzinghi was a mere child when his father died, and succeeded him as organist of the Portuguese Chapel at 10. He subsequently took lessons with Bertoni, Sacchini, and Anfossi during their British sojourns. He was music director (1785–94) and harpsichordist (1785–98) at the King’s Theatre in London, and then taught piano. He wrote prolifically, producing dramatic works, ballets, sonatas, piano pieces, songs, glees, etc., all of little merit.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire