GAETANO, the founder of a celebrated violin-school, was born at Turin in 1727, and became a pupil of Somis, who had studied under Vivaldi and Corelli. Pugnani afterwards took lessons from Tartini, and when twenty-five years old, was appointed first violin of the King of Sardinia's chapel, and director of his concerts. In 1754 he visited Paris, and performed there in public with brilliant success. He was received with great applause in several other European capitals, and remained a considerable time in London, returning to Turin and settling there in 1770. Being made director of the orchestra of the king's theatre, he opened a violin school which sent forth several great artists, the most distinguished of these being the famous Viotti. Besides being a great violinist, possessing a fine tone, a grand and impassioned style, and perfect skill in all the artifices of bowing, Pugnani was remarkable for his talent of conducting an orchestra, a rare talent which he imparted to several of his pupils. He was an excellent composer for stringed instruments, in a bold and original style. Many of his compositions remain in manuscript. One of his nine Violin-Concertos was published at Paris; and there also he published four books of Violin Sonatas, two books of Violin Duets, and three books of Trios for two violins and bass, Paris and London. Six Quartets for two violins, viola, and bass, London. Twelve Symphonies for two violins, viola, bass, two oboes, and two horns, London. Two books of Quintets for two violins, two flutes, and bass, London. He composed the music of nine operas for the theatre. The French invasion of Italy caused him the loss of his offices and income. He died at Turin in 1803. In 1818 the writer of this article saw a portrait of Pugnani in the Gallery of the Liceo at Bologna. The countenance was full of energy and intelligence; but his nose (resembling the exaggerated beak of an eagle), was much too large to be handsome, and gave a ludicrous air of caricature to the portrait. However, Signor Felice