ABSTRACT
Margaret Chinnery's education journal (1801–1807), based on the one that Madame de Genlis kept to document the education of the Duke of Orléans's children and described in her novel Adele et Theodore. Viotti's influence on the Chinnery children's musical education was of course enormous. But equally important, surprisingly, was his contribution to their general education. Viotti's qualifications for the role of educator were not inconsiderable. The letter to Caroline Chinnery, dated 8 October 1798, also focussed on education, in particular her musical education. Viotti cites Caroline's progress in composition as proof of the efficacity of Bianchi's theoretical treatise as a teaching tool. Viotti also wrote many short vocal pieces to be performed at Gillwell with guests or on special occasions such as birthdays. Viotti probably composed much of his later music at Gillwell. The Chinnery concerts at Gillwell House, at Mortimer Street, drew eminent musicians visiting England and foreign diplomats, as well as British lords and ladies.
