Composers Corner: Elisabetta de Gambarini

Elisabetta de Gambarini (September 7, 1730 - February 9, 1765) was born in London. Her father was a nobleman from Italy who worked for a nobleman there. Her mother was from Croatia and may have been a music teacher to aristocratic children. Elisabetta had three siblings, but she was the only one to live to adulthood. She first came to attention as a singer, and at the age of sixteen, she performed in the first showing of "Occasional Oratorio" by Handel as a singer.

By 18 she had gained enough fame to allow her to perform her own concert where she debuted her own original compositions. In this performance, she both sang and played the organ. As a talented singer, she wrote a number of lovely songs in Italian and English.

She was also the first woman in Britain to compose a collection of keyboard music. She wrote three books of lessons for the harpsichord. Popular musicians of the time including Handel admired her work. Her compositions were also appreciated by important members of society including lords, lawyers, and other wealthy people. She also composed a book of compositions for woodwind instruments.

Her music was written in the style of the late Baroque Period and early Classical Period. She lived at the same time as Handel, Haydn, and J.C. Bach.

In addition to composing, she was well known for performances in which she sang and played the harpsichord and organ. She performed at famous venues such as Haymarket Theatre and the Concert Room on Dean Street.

Likely due to her early death at the age of 35, Elisabetta is not as famous as other composers and musicians of her time. The circumstances surrounding her death are unclear, but it is known that she died at home less than a year after her marriage to Etienne Chazal. There are records of Elisabetta having a daughter, Giovanna Georgianna Chazal, which gives rise to speculations that she may have died during childbirth as was common during her time.