Joseph Abaco

Who was Joseph Abaco?

Joseph Abaco was a Belgian violoncellist and composer. He was born and baptised in Brussels, Belgium on 27 March 1710, and was musically trained by his father, Evaristo Felice dall'Abaco.

At age nineteen Abaco entered into the service of the Prince-elector at Bonn, Germany and played in the court chamber orchestra. He was appointed its music director in 1738. He traveled to England in 1740. In 1753 he moved to Verona, Italy, where he worked as a member of the Philharmonic Academy. In 1766 he was given the title of baron by Prince Maximilian of Bavaria.

Abaco wrote nearly 40 cello sonatas, the Capricci for Violoncello Solo, and other works. Many of his compositions were written in an old-fashioned, Baroque style.

Abaco died at his estate, Arbizzano di Valpolicella, Italy, near Verona, at the age of 95, on 31 August 1805.