A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Rubinelli, Giovanni
RUBINELLI, Giovanni Battista, celebrated singer, born at Brescia in 1753, made his first appearance on the stage at the age of 18, at Stuttgart, in Sacchini's 'Calliroe.' For some years he was attached to the Duke of Würtemberg's chapel, but in 1774 he sang at Modena in Paisiello's 'Alessandro nelle Indie' and Anfossi's 'Demofoonte.' His success was very great; and during the next few years he performed at all the principal theatres in Italy. In 1786 he came to London, after a journey from Rome by no means propitious. The weather was unusually severe, and, in going through France, his travelling chaise was overturned at Macon; besides which, when approaching Dover, the boat that landed him was upset, and the unlucky singer remained for a time up to his chin in the water. In spite of these perils he made a successful début in a pasticcio called 'Virginia,' his own part in which was chiefly composed by Tarchi. He next sang with Mara, in 'Armida,' and in Handel's 'Giulio Cesare,' revived for him, with several interpolations from Handel's other works. These are said to have been most admirably sung by Rubinelli. 'He possessed a contralto voice of fine quality, but limited compass. It was full, round, firm, and steady in slow movements, but had little agility, nor did he attempt to do more than he could execute perfectly. His style was the true cantabile, in which few could excel him; his taste was admirable, and his science great; his figure tall and commanding, his manner and action solemn and dignified. In short he must be reckoned, if not the first, yet of the first class of fine singers.' (Lord Mount-Edgecumbe.) Burney says that his voice was better in a church or a theatre, where it could expand, than in a room; and continues, 'There was dignity in his appearance on the stage, and the instant the tone of his voice was heard no doubt remained with the audience that he was the first singer. His style was grand, and truly dramatic, his execution neat and distinct, his taste and embellishments new, select, and masterly, and his articulation so pure and well accented that, in his recitatives, no one conversant in the Italian language ever had occasion to look at the book of the words while he was singing. Rubinelli, from the fulness of his voice and greater simplicity of style, pleased a more considerable number of hearers than Pacchierotti, though none, perhaps, so exquisitely as that singer used to delight his real admirers. Rubinelli, finding himself censured on his first arrival in England, for changing and embellishing his airs, sang "Return, God of Hosts" in Westnster Abbey, in so plain and unadorned a manner, that even those who venerate Handel most thought him insipid.'
After his season in London he returned to Italy, where he had enormous success at Vicenza and Verona, in 1791 and 1792, in 'La Morte de Cleopatra' of Nasolini, and 'Agesilao' of Andreozzi. In 1800 he left the stage, and settled at Brescia, where he died in 1829. [App. p.766 "add that the date of death is variously given as March 1 (Paloschi), and 2 (Mendel and Riemann)."]
The following lines, some of which are well known (suggested by the occasion of Carbonelli the violinist having relinquished the musical profession to become a wine merchant), bear witness to the powers and the popularity of Rubinelli. They are by the Rev. Dr. Wake, hose quaint spelling has been followed.
Let Rubinelli charm the ear,
And sing as erst with voice divine,
To Carbonelli I adhear,
Instead of musick, give me wine.
And yet perhaps with wine combined,
Sweet musick would our joys improve,
Let both together then be joined,
And feast we as the gods above.
Anacreon-like I'll sit and quaff,
Old age and wrinkles I'll despise,
Devout the present hours to laugh,
And learn to-morrow to be wise.