CHAPTER TEN Last Years, Death, and Aftermath

AbstractIn this chapter Viotti's increasing preoccupation with his financial situation and his deep affection for Margaret Chinnery come to the fore. His strenuous attempts to obtain a pension are described, and fresh evidence is adduced concerning a new position created for him by the Opéra administration. His failing health becomes increasingly apparent, though he continued to make music with friends, including Baillot, at Châtillon, the summer home near Paris bought by Margaret Chinnery. The death of his half-brother, André Viotti, with whom he had become close, was another blow. After Viotti's death in London in 1824, Margaret Chinnery was left with three lawsuits involving his estate. George Chinnery died in 1825, survived by his father, who died in 1827, and his mother, who died in 1840.