Polledro, Giovanni Battista

1781-1853

Noted Italian violinist, conductor and composer. Born and died at Piova, near Turin. After studying under lesser masters he had lessons for a while from Pugnani, through whom he obtained a place in the Court Theatre. He made his debut in 1797; went to Milan in 1801, and in 1804 was appointed first violinist at the theatre in Bergamo. Shortly after he left for Russia, and after living at Moscow for five years visited St. Petersburg and Warsaw. Became leader of the Dresden Orchestra in 1814. Ten years later he gave up that position to become director of the King's orchestra at Turin, and in 1844 retired to Piova. Works: For violin, eight concertos, variations, duets, trios and solo studies; for orchestra, a pastoral symphony, a bassoon concerto, and a mass and miserere.