Novello, Vincent

Novello, Vincent an English organist and composer of Italian descent, was born in London Sept. 6, 1781, and died at Nice in September, 1861. At the age of sixteen he became organist of the Portuguese chapel in London, and under his direction the music there became noted for its excellence. He was one of the original founders of the Philharmonic Society, and a member of the Royal Society of Musicians. He composed largely, though without inspiration. His principal claim to distinction rests on the service he rendered to the art of music by editing and bringing to public attention a vast number of classical works of old as well as modern authors.