Foundation Musick's MonumentTommaso Giordani (ca. 1730–1806) – a biographical outline
The author of the solos – Tommaso Giordani – was born in Naples in 1730 or 1733. He came from a family of itinerant singers who staged comic operas.
Giordani himself, however, was a composer and harpsichordist, likely an orchestra member. Between 1745 and 1764, the troupe of actors under the direction of his father – Giuseppe Giordani (ca. 1695–1764) – went on a tour across many European countries such as Italy, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, France, England and Ireland. It was then that T. Giordani became the most famous member of the family. He settled in Great Britain in 1764, being simultaneously active in London and Dublin, where he worked for many subsequent artistic seasons as a composer, conductor, director and manager of the royal opera houses –Smock Alley and Crow Street in Dublin and Haymarket and Drury Lane in London.
He rendered various services in all city theatres. In addition to these activities, he composed pieces for amateurs and educated musicians who were centred around Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, London’s cultural hub. In 1771, he began working with the Longman & Broderip publishing house, where he continued to publish until around 1780. His association with this institution was crucial for creating the collection Six Solos…, especially since he wrote it for the English guitar – an instrument which, at that time, was at the peak of its popularity and consequently brought considerable profits to the company. In the summer of 1783, the composer returned to Ireland, where he opened the English Opera House with the renowned tenor Michael Leoni (ca. 1750–1797).However, despite its artistic successes, the lack of a regular audience brought about the bankruptcy of the theatre. In order to secure an income, T. Giordani was forced to accept the position of organist at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Dublin, which he held until 1798. He was not only a respected artist, but also a promoter of Irish music, leading to his election as President of Irish Music Fund in 1794. He passed away in Dublin at his residence in Great Britain Street on 23 or 24 February 1806.
His funeral was mentioned in the Irish Music Fund protocol of 24 February 1806, noting a withdrawal of 5 guineas for this purpose. The following announcement appeared in issue no. 6257 of “The Dublin Evening Post” on 25 February:Giordani, the famous Composer, has departed this life. Many of his musical productions are of the first order, and will be! retained by every perfect judge of the divine science.
