Corbett, William
Corbett, William
Corbett, William , English violinist and composer;b. c. 1675; d. probably in London, March 7, 1748. He was concertmaster of the orch. at the Queen’s Theatre in London (1705–11), and also made successful appearances as a soloist and composed music for the stage. In 1716 he became a member of the royal orch. but soon went to Italy to pursue his career, where he also acquired a valuable music and instrument collection. About 1740 he returned to London. In 1751 his collection was sold at auction.
Works
INSTRUMENTAL (all pubi. in london unless otherwise given)12 sonate à tre for 2 Violins, Cello, and Basso Continue (organ) (Amsterdam, c. 1700); 6 Sonatas for 2 Flutes and Basso Continue (1705); 6 Sonatas with an Overture and Aires in 4 Parts for Trumpet, 2 Violins, 2 Oboes, Flute, and Bassoon or Harpsichord (c. 1708); 6 Sonatas a 3 for 2 Recorders or Flutes and Basso Continue, libra primo (c. 1713); 6 Sonatas a 3 for 2 Violins and Basso Continue, libra secondo (c. 1713); Le bizzarie universali a 4 for 2 Violins, Viola, and Basso Continue (1728). VOCAL: Lost is My Love, cantata for Tenor and Orch. (c. 1725); songs for plays and in contemporary collections.
—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire