Musician, Composer. He received world-wide acclaim for being an Italian violinist in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was the principal founder of the 19th century modern violin education. As a composer, he wrote 29 violin concerti, of which “No. 22 in A Minor” became very well-known after Joseph Joachin revived the piece in the 1870s; ten piano concerti with some transcribed to violin; string quartets and other chamber music. He composed two vocal compositions, “Che Gioja” and “Consola, Amato Bene”. Born to a poor family, his musical talent was recognized early. After relocating to the household of Prince Alfonso of Turin, he received a well-rounded education and began studying in 1770 with virtuoso Gaetano Pugnani becoming the first violinist of the Turn Chapel. After two years, he toured to Switzerland, Russia, Poland, Germany and making his debut in Paris, France in 1782 while building along the way his notoriety of brilliant executions and beautiful compositions. He became the Royal Court musician in 1783 to Queen Marie-Antoinette of France and was established as a violin instructor and opera impresario. Always a well-mannered gentleman, he was known to be very talented, intelligent, and independent with eccentric habits. After 1788 his interest turned to opera serving for four years as the director of the Theatre de Monsieur. With no productions being during the French Revolution, he escaped to England, and from 1794 to 1798, he co-managed the King's theater conducting Italian operas, performing solos. and leading the orchestra. As an alien in England during a political unrest, he was ordered to leave England and in 1798 went first to Holland and then Germany, but returned to London by 1801 teaching the violin and starting a wine business, which was successful at first. After his wine business failed and the restoration of the Bourbons to the throne of France, King Louis XVIII invited him in 1819 him to preside over the Royal Academy of Music in Paris. The aging musician accepted the position but did not retain it long as his health was declining. In 1822 he retired with a moderate pension. At this point, he and his family returned to London where he died. During his career, he taught the next generation of violinists while in France, Pierre Baillot, Pierre Rode, and Paul Alday and while in Germany, Johann Pixis, and Conraden Kreutzer.