Lessons with Tartini

Donald Macleod explores Sirmen’s visits to Padua to learn from the great Giuseppe Tartini and her wish to leave her orphanage to marry.

Maddalena Sirmen was born in Venice in 1745 and christened Maddalena Laura Lombardini. Her poverty-stricken family were unable to support her and by the age of seven she was admitted to one of Venice’s ‘Ospedali’. The Ospedali were hospitals and orphanages set up to help the needy but also celebrated for the musical education they provided to their residents. Sirmen soon excelled in her training. By the age of fourteen she was accepted for additional music lessons in Padua with the famed violinist, Tartini, and became one of his favourite students. In 1767 she married fellow composer, Lodovico Sirmen, and was able to leave the Ospedale, at last. There followed many successful years of travelling and performing as a virtuoso violinist, often presenting her own works. Sirmen’s music was published in many leading European cities, and Leopold Mozart said of one of her works, that it was “beautifully written”. When visiting London for a third time, Sirmen decided to present herself as a singer, rather than a violinist. This proved to be a mistake and she was greatly criticised in the press. From this point onwards her reputation diminished despite further concerts, as a violinist, in Paris, Dresden and St Petersburg. Sirmen eventually settled back in Venice, where she died in 1818.

Today, Donald follows Sirmen to meet a new mentor who will transform her fortunes. During Sirmen’s education at the Ospedale dei Mendicanti, her musical skills developed to such a level that it was agreed by the Governors she could take additional training with the famed violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. Tartini lived in Padua, and Sirmen travelled there with an appointed nun as companion. Sirmen’s lessons went very well and soon there was a request to the Governors that she be allowed further time to study with Tartini. A Venetian aristocrat agreed to fund Sirmen’s travel and living expenses during these periods away in Padua. The Governors proclaimed themselves very pleased with her progress but how would they react when she asked them to release her from the Ospedali, so she could marry?

Giuseppe Tartini
Violin Sonata in G minor, “Devils Trill” (excerpt)
Nicola Benedetti, violin
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Christian Curnyn, director

Maddalena Sirmen
String Quartet No 1 in E flat major (Andante)
Musica Fiorita
Daniela Dolci, director

String Quartet No 1 in E flat major (Allegretto)
Musica Fiorita
Daniela Dolci, director

Giuseppe Tartini
Stabat Mater
Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles

Maddalena Sirmen
Violin Concerto No 2 in E major, Op 3 No 2
Piroska Vitárius, violin
Savaria Baroque Orchestra
Pál Németh, conductor

String Quartet No 4 in B flat major
Accademia Della Magnifica Comunità

Produced by Luke Whitlock