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Francesco AlboreaItalian cellist.
Date of Birth: 07.03.1691
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Francisella (Italian Cellist)
- Early Career and Performances
- Collaboration with Franz Benda
- Influence on Martin Berteau
- Later Years and Debated Death
Francisella (Italian Cellist)
Early Life and EducationFrancisella, an Italian cellist, received his formal training at the Conservatorio di Santa Maria di Loreto in Naples under the guidance of Gian Carlo Caillo.
Early Career and Performances
In 1725, Francisella collaborated with the renowned singer Farinelli in a performance in Naples, as recorded by Quantz. Later that year, he participated in a performance of Alessandro Scarlatti's cantata in Rome, alongside the celebrated singer Niccolini. This performance garnered high praise from the Italian composer and violinist Francesco Geminiani.
Collaboration with Franz Benda
From 1726 onwards, Francisella resided and performed in Vienna at the court of Count Ulenfeld. He established a close musical partnership with Franz Benda, a notable violinist of his time.
Influence on Martin Berteau
Legend has it that the famed French cellist Martin Berteau, the founder of the French cello school, was inspired to switch from the viola da gamba to the cello after witnessing Francisella's exceptional performances.
Later Years and Debated Death
Some sources, including Wilhelm Joseph von Wasielewski, claim that Francisella did not die in 1739 but returned to Italy and subsequently lived for many years in Genoa. This theory gained support from the cellist Jean-Pierre Duport, who is said to have visited Francisella in Genoa for lessons. However, this version is disputed by François-Joseph Fétis and rejected by The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
