Arcangelo Corelli

Arcangelo Corelli , 1653-1713, Italian composer and violinist. Famed for his virtuosity and his elegant style of composition, he spent most of his life in Rome, where he was court violinist to Cardinal Ottoboni. His violin technique was perpetuated by his many students and in his sonatas for violin with harpsichord, among which is the well-known set of variations on the air La Follia. He also helped to establish the typical form of the concerto grosso (see concerto ).

Bibliography: See M. Pincherle, Corelli: His Life, His Work (tr., 1956).

Corelli, Arcangelo (1653–1713) Italian Baroque composer. He achieved early distinction as a violinist under the guidance of Giovanni Benvenuti. He helped to develop the concerto grosso, composed many sonatas and did much to consolidate the principles behind modern violin playing.

Corelli, Arcangelo (b Fusignano, nr. Milan, 1653; d Rome, 1713). It. violinist and composer. By 1675 was in Rome, where he became one of leading violinists. Joined court of Queen Christina 1679–86. From 1687 was under patronage of Cardinal Pamphili, and from 1690 under that of Cardinal Ottoboni. Lived in cardinal's palace and died a rich man with a fine art coll. His importance as a composer lies in his sonatas da camera and concerti grossi from which the solo sonata and the orch. concs. of Handel and Bach evolved. They are beautiful in themselves, notably the Christmas Concerto. His works are grouped under 6 opus nos.

1. 12 Sonatas a tre; 2. 12 Sonatas da camera a tre; 3. 12 Sonatas a tre; 4. 12 Sonatas da camera a tre; 5. 12 Sonatas for vn. or vn. and cembalo (also arr. as concerti grossi by Geminiani). 6. 12 Concerti grossi.