Nationality:
Italian
Born:
Fusignano,
February
17th
1653
Died:
Rome,
January 8th
1713
Type
of music: Violin music,
Sinfonias, Concertos
Main
works: 4
sets of 12 trio sontas, 12 solo sontas, 12 Conertos
During
the 17th century, Italy was perfecting the craft of violin
manufacturing, most notably the Stradivari family, still known today
for being exquisite instrument makers. Corelli was a product of this
musical culture, and became one of the most influential performers in
Europe.
Corelli
was Born in Fusignano, and took violin lessons in nearby Faenza from
a priest. In 1666 he moved to Bologna and studied music properly with
several talented performers. By 1675 he had made his professional
debut, and played in church performances commissioned by Rome's
prelates, and several secular theatre productions.
In
1679 Corelli became a chamber musician to Queen Christina of Sweden
who had exiled. His first compositions, a set of 12 'Sonate de
chiesa', were dedicated to the Queen. He then attached himself to the
more influential cardinal Pamphili. From 1684 Corelli was playing
regularly at events organised by Pamphili and he dedicated a set of
chamber trios to the cardinal. By July 1687 Corelli was formally
appointed as the Cardinal's music master. In 1690 he was engaged by
another Cardinal, Pietro Ottoboni, a significant patron of music.
Corelli dedicated a second set of Chamber trios to Ottoboni in 1694.
Corelli
began writing sinfonias and concertos and their success sealed his
reputation as one of Europe's most famous musicians. In 1707 Corelli
met Handel, who was working in Rome, and performed in one of Handel's
early Oratorios. Shortly after this time he retired from performing
and dedicated his time to composition before his health deteriorated
and he died in 1713.
His
legacy has lived on and his works have been reprinted several times,
quickly becoming popular all over Europe. He was influential to
plenty of his successors, including Bach, Tellemann and Handel.
"I
have never met with any man that suffered his passions to hurry him
away so much whilst he was playing on the violin as the famous
Arcangelo Corelli, whose eyes will sometimes turn as red as fire”.
- François Ragunet
Spotify
link for the Classical Cafe playlist:
https://play.spotify.com/user/1146446707/playlist/722kiKqGuaxYnbQqnjifAr
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