A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Asioli, Bonifacio

ASIOLI, Bonifacio, born at Correggio, April 30, 1769 [App. p.524 "August"]; began to study at five years of age. Before eight he had written several masses, and a concerto for pianoforte. At ten he went to study at Parma under Morigi. After a journey to Venice, where he enjoyed his first public success, he was made maestro di capella at his native town. By eighteen he had composed five masses, twenty-four pieces for the church and the theatre, and a number of instrumental pieces. In 1787 he changed his residence to Turin, where he remained nine years, composing five cantatas and instrumental music. In 1796 he accompanied the Duchess Gherardini to Venice, and remained there till 1799, when he removed to Milan, and in 1810 to Paris. There he continued in the service of the empress Marie Louise till July 1813. On the fall of the empire Asioli returned to Correggio, and died there May 26, 1832 [App. p.524 "May 18"]. Besides his compositions he published a 'Trattato d'armonia e d'accompagnamento;' a book of dialogues on the same; 'Osservazioni sul temperamento, etc.; and 'Disinganno' on the same. His principal work is 'Il Maestro di composizione.' All these works are written with accuracy and a clear and brilliant style. Asioli's biography was written by Coli, a priest of Correggio, under the title of 'Vita di B. Asioli,' etc. (Milan: Ricordi, 1834). [App. p.524 "See also vol. ii. p.329 a."]

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