Francesco Petrini

(b Berlin, 1744; d Paris, 1819). French harpist and composer. He studied the harp under his father (d1750), a harpist at Frederick the Great's court. After serving at the Mecklenburg-Schwerin court, 1765-9, he performed and taught in Paris and published harp concertos, sonatas, duets etc, a harp method and books on harmony. His sister Therese (1736-after 1800) was a singer and harpist in Berlin.