Having studied the organ with Samuel Webbe, Novello's instructor was instrumental in obtaining an appointment for him as organist for the Portuguese Embassy chapel, a position which he held from the age of seventeen for twenty five years. While in service to the Embassy Novello had the choir perform masses by Mozart and Haydn on a regular basis. This was accomplished, in part, because Novello had access to the musical library of Latrobe. As a conductor Novello also directed concerts of the Philharmonic Society often directing from his position at the keyboard. Efforts by Novello in publication began with a "Collection of Sacred Music" which was published in two volumes at his own expense. Next came "Twelve Easy Masses" including three of his own works. In these works, Novello provided written accompaniments for the organ rather than figured bass. This made the music accessible to musicians of diverse abilities rather than those exceptional few who were well-versed in figured bass. Novello did the same for a series of masses by Mozart and Haydn thus providing the public with easier access to these works. He copied the vocal scores of the masses and wrote the accompaniments for keyboard. The orchestral scores were copied separately. Editing the Fitzwilliam Collection which was left to Cambridge University, resulted in the publication of "The Fitzwilliam Music." Novello also contributed to the "Cathedral Choir Book," raised money to help the sick Maria Anna Mozart and traveled to the continent to bring her the money, and wrote copious notes on Mozart which were later used in the book "The Life of Mozart" written by Novello's student Edward Holmes. Upon the travels, Novello kept notes and diaries which were also later used, in 1955, to publish "A Mozart Pilgrimage." As an organist, conductor and editor, Novello was quite familiar with the work of Bach and highly promoted his music. Novello's home was a mecca of exchange for various artists. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi