ABSTRACT
The story is encapsulated in the dramatic cantata Rosalba written by Vincent Novello in response to a commission from the Philharmonic Society. What is more difficult is to assess Novello's involvement with the Philharmonic Society as performer, Director, composer and decision maker. This chapter considers the implications of Novello's relationship with the Society for understanding of his status among the movers and shakers of the English musical world. In 1832, when Mendelssohn was the apple of the Philharmonic Society's eye, the Directors simultaneously commissioned instrumental and vocal works by 'resident' composers. On 6 February 1813 Novello signed his name as a founder member of the Philharmonic Society. As a full member of the Society, Novello exercised his privileges and recommended the Russells as subscribers to the Philharmonic. The buoyancy of the Philharmonic Society's funds in the early 1830s, coupled with Mendelssohn's popularity in England and the views of the Directors, may have led to the surge of commissioning.
