The 2nd of the three has a Russian theme in E major as the Trio of its third movement:—
It would be interesting to know the original names and forms of these two themes: they do not appear to have been yet identified.
RATAPLAN, like Rub-a-dub, appears to be an imitative word for the sound of the drum, as Tan-ta-ra is for that of the trumpet, and Tootle tootle for the flute.[1] It is hardly necessary to mention its introduction by Donizetti in the 'Fille du Regiment,' or by Meyerbeer in the 'Huguenots'; and every Londoner is familiar with it in Sergeant Bouncer's part in Sullivan's 'Cox and Box,' especially in his first song, 'Yes, yes, in those merry days.' 'Rataplan, der kleine Tambour' is the title of a Singspiel by Pillwitz, which was produced at Bremen in 1831, and had a considerable run both in North and South Germany between that year and 1836.
RAUZZINI, Venanzio, born 1747, in Rome, where he made his début in 1765, captivating his audience by his fine voice, clever acting, and prepossessing appearance. In 1767 he sang in Vienna, and then accepted an engagement in Munich, where four of his operas were performed. In London he made his first appearance in 1774 [App. p767 "in Corri's 'Alessandro nell' Indie'"]. Here also he distinguished himself as an excellent teacher of singing, Miss Storace, Braham, Miss Poole (afterwards Mrs. Dickons), and Incledon, being among his pupils. In 1778 and 79 he gave subscription concerts with the violinist Lamotte, when they were assisted by such eminent artistes as Miss Harrop, Signor Rovedino, Fischer, Cervetto, Stamitz, Decamp, and Clementi. He also gave brilliant concerts in the new Assembly Rooms (built 1771) at Bath, where he took up his abode on leaving London. Here he invited Haydn and Dr. Burney to visit him, and the three spent several pleasant days together in 1794. On this occasion Haydn wrote a four-part canon (or more strictly a round) to an epitaph on a favourite dog buried in Rauzzini's garden, 'Turk was a faithful dog and not a man.'[2] [App. p.767 "the Round will be found in vol. iv. p. 191."] Rauzzini's operas performed in London were 'La Regina di Golconda' (1775); 'Armida' (1778); 'Creusa in Delfo' (1782); and 'La Vestale' (1787). He composed string-quartets, sonatas for PF., Italian arias and duets, and English songs; also a Requiem produced at the little Haymarket Theatre in 1801, by Dr. Arnold and Salomon. He died, universally regretted, at Bath in 1810. His brother
Matteo, born in Rome 1754, made his first appearance at Munich in 1772, followed his brother to England, and settled in Dublin, where he produced an opera, 'Il Re pastore.' He employed himself in teaching singing, and died in 1791.
RAVENSCROFT, John, one of the Tower Hamlets waits, and violinist at Goodman's Fields Theatre, was noted for his skill in the composition of hornpipes, a collection of which he published. Two of them are printed in Hawkins's History. He died about 1740. [App. p.767 "a set of sonatas in three parts (two violins and violone or arch-lute) by him, were printed at Rome in 1695."]
RAVENSCROFT, Thomas, Mus. Bac., born about 1582, was a chorister of St. Paul's under Edward Pearce, and graduated at Cambridge in 1607. In 1609 he edited and published 'Pammelia. Musickes Miscellanie: or Mixed Varietie of pleasant Roundelayes and delightful Catches of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Parts in one'—the earliest collection of rounds, catches and canons printed in this country. A second impression appeared in 1618. Later in 1609 he put forth 'Deuteromelia; or the Second Part of Musick's Melodie, or melodius Musicke of Pleasant Roundelaies; K. H. mirth, or Freemen's Songs and such delightfull Catches'; containing the catch, 'Hold thy peace, thou knave,' sung in Shakspere's 'Twelfth Night.' In 1611 he published 'Melismata. Musicall Phansies, fitting the Court, Citie, and Countrey Humours, to 3, 4 and 5 Voyces.' In 1611 [App. p.767 "1614"] he published 'A Briefe Discourse of the true (but neglected) use of Charact'ring the Degrees by their Perfection, Imperfection, and Diminution in Mensurable Musicke against the Common Practise and Custome of these Times; Examples whereof are exprest in the Harmony of 4 Voyces Concerning the Pleasure of 5 usuall Recreations. 1. Hunting. 2. Hawking. 3. Dancing. 4. Drinking. 5. Enamouring'—a vain attempt to resuscitate an obsolete practice. The musical examples were composed by Edward Pearce, John Bennet, and Ravenscroft himself. In 1621 he published the work by which he is best known, 'The Whole Booke of Psalmes: With the Hymnes Evangelicall and Spirituall. Composed into 4 parts by Sundry Authors with severall Tunes as have been and are usually sung in England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.' Another edition 'newly corrected and enlarged' was published in 1633. Four anthems or motets by Ravenscroft are among the MSS. in the library of Christ Church, Oxford. The date of his death is not known. It is said by some to have been about 1630, and by others about 1635.
RAVINA, Jean Henri, a pianoforte composer, was born May 20, 1818, at Bourdeaux, where his mother was a prominent musician. At the instance of Rode and Zimmermann the lad was admitted to the Conservatoire of Paris in 1831. His progress was rapid 2nd prize for PF. in 1832; 1st prize for the same in 1834; 1st for harmony and accompaniment in 1835, a joint professorship of PF. Nov. 1835. In Feb. 1837 he left the Conservatoire and embarked on the world as a virtuoso and teacher. He has resided exclusively at Paris, with the exception
