GIOVANNI MARIA, more commonly known under the name of JARNOWICK, was, according to his own statement, born at Palermo in Sicily, in the year 1745. He studied the violin under the famous Loll, and became one of the most popular violinists in Europe. About 1770 he went to Paris, where his elegant performance of his first concerto (in A major) at once rendered him a favourite. His overbearing temper and fondness for gambling led him everywhere into misadventures, and a discreditable affair forced him to leave Paris in 1779. After visiting several continental cities, he reached London in 1792, and was well received; but unluckily for him, Viotti arrived soon after, and took the place due to the latter's great superiority. Giornovich quitted London in 1796, and went to Hamburg; thence, in 1802, to Berlin, and afterwards to St Petersburg, where he died suddenly while playing at billiards on the 24th November 1804. During his residence in England he was invited to Edinburgh, and performed there at the St Cecilia's Hall concerts. His particular merits as a player were perfect intonation, neat execution of rapid passages, and good taste in embellishment. His tone was pure but feeble, and he was deficient in breadth of style and expression. His compositions are light and pleasing, and consist of fifteen violin concertos; three stringed-quartetts; four sets of duets for two violins; sonatas for violin and bass; several symphonies. (G.F.G.)