Peter Holman has done a lot of original archival work on English sources
including 18th and 19th C references to lutes. For example, he brought to light
the use of the theorbo in the 1845 concerts organised by Prince Albert. You may
care to contact him.
M.
Jeffrey Noonan [EMAIL
A question--I've recently run across references to a lutenist
identified variously as
Francisco Weiber
Francisco Weber
Francisco Waber
He was active in London in the 1720s and performed with the
composer/cellist Giovanni Bononcini as well as the castrato Francesco
Thanks to all who responded so far. I've not seen Peter Holman for years
(decades, actually) and contacting him is a good idea. I'll follow up on the
German name, as well.
Once Bononcini's fortunes with his operas changed, he was in fact hired to
perform twice weekly at Henrietta's (the
Dear Jeff and All:
Senesino was a frequent performer in Handel's London opera productions,
according to Christopher Hogwood's recent Handel biography. Perhaps archives
on Handel's opera orchestra could shed some light on Mr. Weber. I think
Handel used theorbo or archlute at least occasionally.
This is very interesting, as I have never heard of him. I did consult
Matthew Spring's book, but there is no mention of him, in any spelling. I
did find internet articles, referring to Lowell Lindgren's work, The Three
Great Noises Fatal to the Interests of Bononcini , The Musical Quarterly,
