A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Goldberg, Joseph

GOLDBERG, Joseph Pasquale, born at Vienna Jan. 1, 1825; began his career as a violinist, as a pupil of Mayseder, and studied counterpoint and composition under Ritter von Seyfried at Vienna. At the age of 12 he appeared at the Grand Redoutensaal, and performed a concerto in E minor, with orchestra, of his own composition, dedicated to Spohr. After a few years he left Vienna for Italy, and played at Trieste, Venice, Bergamo, etc. From Italy he went to Paris, and was then urged by Rubini and Meyerbeer to become a singer; he received his vocal instruction from Rubini and Bordogni, and afterwards from the old Lamperti in Italy. He was engaged for three years as Primo Basso assoluto, in the principal theatres of Italy. At the age of 18 he made his début at Padua in Donizetti's 'Regina di Golconda,' and met with a most favourable reception. At Verona and Genoa he sang with his sister, Fanny Goldberg Marini, at that time one of the most celebrated prima donnas of Italy, in 'Maria di Rohan.' But being of a serious and retiring disposition, and detesting the stage, he decided to leave it, and returned to Paris determined to sing only at concerts and to teach the art of singing. At Paris he became a favourite, and was on the most intimate terms with Rossini, Donizetti, Chopin, Halévy and Thalberg. In 1847 he came to London to fulfil a six-weeks engagement with Jullien. From 1850 to 1861 he made several provincial concert tours in England with Grisi, Alboni, Mario, etc., and then settled in London, where he has since remained as a professor of singing. Among his pupils we will name Giuglini and Brignoli, Mme. Gassier, Mme. Rabatinsky, and his own sister, Catherina Goldberg-Strossi, who earned a great success at La Scala, Milan, and at the Grand Teatro, Barcelona. In 1871 Mr. Goldberg was commissioned by Correnti, Minister of Public Instruction, to report upon the Conservatoires of Italy, and to propose reforms in the method of instruction. His proposals were approved by Lauro Rossi the then Principal of the Naples Conservatorio, and have since been put in force throughout Italy. In consideration of these services Goldberg was created a Knight of the Crown of Italy. A large number of his vocal compositions have been published and sung by the most celebrated singers here and on the continent. He was also the composer of 'La Marcia Trionfale,' which was played by the military bands when the troops of Victor Emanuele entered Rome for the first time. Mr. Goldberg has been many years professor at the Royal Academy of Music, and also professor to H.R.H. the Princess Louise.

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