Template

“I never met with any man that [allowed] his passions to hurry him away so much whilst he was playing the violin.” – A description of Corelli by a contemporary

Up to this point, every composer that I’ve discussed is famous for writing some form of vocal music. The Medieval composers wrote plainchant, the Renaissance composers wrote polyphonic vocal works, and the first Baroque composers are famous for their operas and oratorios. Yet, as the Baroque era surged forward, the use of instruments became so important that before long, many composers began to compose for instruments exclusively. Arcangelo Corelli was one of these composers. Corelli never wrote a single work for the voice. He didn’t need to. His talent for instrumental composition brought him enough fame and fortune alone. Corelli is credited for inventing the instrumental music forms of the sonata and the concerto. Nearly every classical composer after Corelli made these two forms of music major parts of their instrumental composition repertoire.

Arcangelo Corelli was born in the Italian town of Fusignano, but perhaps because he had difficultly pronouncing “Fusignano” he moved as an adult to the one syllable city Rome. Being a musical wonder, Corelli became famous and wealthy, and was able to live in a cardinal’s own palace where he composed at his leisure.

Along with music, Corelli also enjoyed collecting paintings and sculpture. With his new wealth, he accumulated an impressive art museum filled with giant paintings and powerful sculptures which he set up in the middle of the cardinal’s house! (We can only imagine the cardinal’s lamentation that Corelli wasn’t obsessed with collecting smaller objects, like baseball cards or coffee mugs). Hopefully, Corelli was able to keep the cardinal happy by assuring his host that he was housing a musical genius. After all, not only could Corelli compose, but he could also play the violin like no one had ever heard. In fact, Corelli specially designed many of his compositions so that he could show off his talent. All in all, Corelli wallowed in prosperity.

Except for an occasional tour of Europe, Corelli spent the rest of his life in Rome. It is there that he died at the age of 60. Staying true to his love for art, Corelli’s dying request was to be buried next to the great painter Raphael.

Listening to Corelli

Because Corelli is famous for developing the concerto and sonata, it’s a good idea to start out your exploration of his music in this arena. Start by listening to his most famous work, the Christmas Concerto. You’ll find it to be your basic, cultured Baroque piece full of good tunes and plenty of masterful violin playing. Later, if you’re still anxious to sample more of Corelli’s work, try any of his other sonatas or concerti.

Corelli Recommendations

Orchestral Music

- Christmas Concerto

- Concerti Grossi

Chamber Music

- Violin Sonata Op. 5 No. 12 in D minor ‘La follia’

- Trio Sonatas Op. 1-4

- Solo Sonatas (for solo violin and continuo)


Arcangelo CORELLI (1653-1713) *Whiz Kid from Italy* “I never met with any man that [allowed] his passions to hurry him away so much whilst he was playing the violin.” – A description of Corelli by a contemporary Up to this point, every composer that I’ve discussed is famous for writing some form of vocal music. The Medieval composers wrote plainchant, the Renaissance composers wrote polyphonic vocal works, and the first Baroque composers are famous for their operas and oratorios. Yet, as the Baroque era surged forward, the use of instruments became so important that before long, many composers began to compose for instruments exclusively. Arcangelo Corelli was one of these composers. Corelli never wrote a single work for the voice. He didn’t need to. His talent for instrumental composition brought him enough fame and fortune alone. Corelli is credited for inventing the instrumental music forms of the sonata and the concerto. Nearly every classical composer after Corelli made these two forms of music major parts of their instrumental composition repertoire. Arcangelo Corelli was born in the Italian town of Fusignano, but perhaps because he had difficultly pronouncing “Fusignano” he moved as an adult to the one syllable city Rome. Being a musical wonder, Corelli became famous and wealthy, and was able to live in a cardinal’s own palace where he composed at his leisure. Along with music, Corelli also enjoyed collecting paintings and sculpture. With his new wealth, he accumulated an impressive art museum filled with giant paintings and powerful sculptures which he set up in the middle of the cardinal’s house! (We can only imagine the cardinal’s lamentation that Corelli wasn’t obsessed with collecting smaller objects, like baseball cards or coffee mugs). Hopefully, Corelli was able to keep the cardinal happy by assuring his host that he was housing a musical genius. After all, not only could Corelli compose, but he could also play the violin like no one had ever heard. In fact, Corelli specially designed many of his compositions so that he could show off his talent. All in all, Corelli wallowed in prosperity. Except for an occasional tour of Europe, Corelli spent the rest of his life in Rome. It is there that he died at the age of 60. Staying true to his love for art, Corelli’s dying request was to be buried next to the great painter Raphael. Listening to Corelli Because Corelli is famous for developing the concerto and sonata, it’s a good idea to start out your exploration of his music in this arena. Start by listening to his most famous work, the Christmas Concerto. You’ll find it to be your basic, cultured Baroque piece full of good tunes and plenty of masterful violin playing. Later, if you’re still anxious to sample more of Corelli’s work, try any of his other sonatas or concerti. Corelli Recommendations Orchestral Music - Christmas Concerto - Concerti Grossi Chamber Music - Violin Sonata Op. 5 No. 12 in D minor ‘La follia’ - Trio Sonatas Op. 1-4 - Solo Sonatas (for solo violin and continuo)

Contact \| Top of Page \| Home