Francesco Petrini (1744–1819) was a harpist and composer.
Petrini, whose father was harpist of the chapel royal in Berlin,[1] became famous in Paris for his compositions Variations and Concerto for harp in E flat major.[2] Much of his work remains part of the standard harp repertoire today.[3]
In 1765 Petrini was harper to the court of Mecklenburg Schwerin, from where he moved to Paris.[1] In Paris he instructed many musicians, including Hinner, Marie Antoinette's harp master.[3]
Through the patronage of the Princess de Lamballe he was able to publish his works, by monthly subscription, between 1779 and 1780. A second edition, also dedicated to de Lamballe, was published in 1783.[3] In 1795 he published a Systeme de l'Harmonie for harp.[1]