Ivan Mane Jarnović

Ivan Mane Jarnović, also Giovanni Mane Giornovichi, (29 November 1747 — 23 November 1804), was an outstanding Ragusan violinist and composer of the 18th century. He had a truly European career, playing, composing and conducting in Paris, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Scandinavia and England. He was a pupil of Antonio Lolli and admired Joseph Haydn. From 1773 he lived in Paris.

Jarnović was born in Palermo, Sicily. Between 1779 and 1781 he was first violinist in the orchestra of the Crown Prince Frederick William II of Prussia. He also played the first violin in the orchestra of the Russian empress Catherine II. He died in Saint Petersburg.

Jarnović composed about 50 chamber instrumental pieces, 22 violin concerts (17 preserved), and is known for having introduced the romanza as a slow movement into the structure of the violin concert. His life is described in a novel, "Jarnović" by G. Desnoisterres (pub. le Brisoys, Paris 1844), and in a collection "Scènes de la vie d'artiste" by P. Smith ("Une leçon de Jarnović" - pub. Paris, 1844).

ee also

* Republic of Ragusa
* List of notable Ragusans
* Dubrovnik
* Dalmatia
* History of Dalmatia