A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Corbett, William

CORBETT, William, an eminent English violinist at the commencement of the 18th century, was one of Queen Anne's band of music, and leader of the band at the Opera House in the Haymarket on its first opening in 1705. On the production of Handel's 'Rinaldo' in 1711 a new set of instrumentalists was introduced into the opera orchestra, and Corbett, quitting his position in the Queen's band, went to Italy, and resided for many years at Rome, making occasional visits to Venice, Milan, Florence, Cremona, Bologna, Naples, etc., amassing during the time a large collection of music, and a most valuable assemblage of Italian violins, etc. Those acquainted with his circumstances were at a loss to account for his ability to make these purchases except by the supposition that he was a government spy, employed to watch the movements of the Pretender. Corbett returned to England in 1740, and seems to have resumed his position in the royal band. [App. p.597 "he made two journeys to Italy; the first, as stated in the Dictionary, about 1711, from which he returned and gave a concert at Hickford's Rooms in 1714 (April 28). It was at this time that he was appointed to the Royal band, his name appearing on the list of musicians from 1716 to 1747."] He died, at an advanced age, in 1748 [App. p.597 "March 7, 1747–8"]. By his will he bequeathed his collection of instruments to Gresham College, providing also for the stipend of a person to show them, and for their care. The college authorities, however, rejected the gift on the ground that there was no room in the college for its reception, and the instruments were consequently sold by auction 'at the Great Room over against Beaufort Buildings, in the Strand, formerly the Hoop Tavern,' on Saturday, March 9, 1751. Corbett's collection of music was also sold by auction at his house in Silver Street, Golden Square. Before quitting England Corbett published several sets of sonatas for violins, flutes, oboes, etc.; some concertos for orchestra; and instrumental music for 'Henry IV,' 1700; 'As you find it,' 1703; and Love Betray'd, or, The Agreeable Disappointment,' 1703. After his return he published 'Concertos, or Universal Bizzarries composed on all the new Gustos during many years' residence in Italy,' containing thirty-five concertos in seven parts, professing to exhibit the different styles of various countries and cities. [App. p.597 "The last sentence should run:—After his return he published 'Concertos, or Universal Bizzaries composed on all the new Gustos in his travels through Italy,' containing 36 concertos, in two books, the first in four parts, the second in seven, professing to exhibit, etc. (Dict. of Nat. Biog.)"]

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