Arcangelo Corelli was born February 17, 1653, in Fusignano, Italy. He
studied violin with Bassani at the Music school in Bologna. In Rome he
studied composition under Matteo Simeoni, the singer of the pope's
chapel. Corelli established himself as composer and violinist in the
1670s. In 1672 he made a sensational debut
in Paris, then successfully toured Euripean capitals. In 1678-1680
Corelli was in the service of Queen Christina of Sweden, who had taken
up residence in Rome after her abdication. In 1681 Corelli was the court
musician for the Prince of Bavaria.
Back in Rome Corelli
composed and dedicated music to his aristocratic patrons, such as, Queen
Christina, Cardinal Pamphili, Francesco II the Prince of Modena,
Cardinal Ottoboni, who was Pope Alexander VIII from 1689-1691. Corelli
gained recognition for the nice tone of his playing and for his elegant
presentation. He was very attractive, well-mannered, and known for his
talent for creating a special ambiance. Corelli was well received in the
highest circles of the aristocracy. He was the permanent leader of the
famous Monday concerts at the palace of Cardinal Ottoboni, where he also
resided for the most part of his life.
His rivalry and partnership with Georg Friedrich Haendel
was legendary. Corelli was a great musician, but not a virtuoso. As it
may be seen from his writings he never wrote or played above D on the
highest string. Once Corelli refused to play the melody to the high A in
the Handel's oratorio. Then Handel himself played the melody to the
highest A, making Corelli very upset. Handel made a visit of respect to
the great Corelli, as they both resided at the palace of Cardinal
Ottoboni in 1708-1710. Handel also continued the tradition of Corelli's
Concerti Grossi.
Corelli developed Concerto Grosso into a form of secular entertainment for the aristocracy. He used the idea of a musical competition between two groups of musicians during the Concerto. A smaller group has only two violins and a cello, while the larger group is the full orchestra. At the beginning of concerto each group presents their beautiful theme with arrangements. During the course of the concerto both groups develop musical interaction and their melody lines become intertwined until they reach mutual culmination in the climax of the grand finale.
Corelli developed Concerto Grosso into a form of secular entertainment for the aristocracy. He used the idea of a musical competition between two groups of musicians during the Concerto. A smaller group has only two violins and a cello, while the larger group is the full orchestra. At the beginning of concerto each group presents their beautiful theme with arrangements. During the course of the concerto both groups develop musical interaction and their melody lines become intertwined until they reach mutual culmination in the climax of the grand finale.
Many of Corelli's Concerti Grossi
were based on the beautiful flowing melodies from his own violin
sonatas. Corelli composed violin sonatas for his solo performances
before his high patrons. Corelli's dynamic markings in all of his
written music show his use of traditional terrace method of forte and
piano dynamics. While unmarked, crescendo and diminuendo were left to be
played intuitively between the extremes of piano and forte. Corelli
also liberated the accompanying parts from restrictions of the
counterpoint rules.
Corelli was a highly reputable teacher of music and composition. Besides giving music lessons to his aristocratic patrons, he taught such composers as Francesco Geminiani and Pietro Locatelli. His strong influence was recognized by Antonio Vivaldi who became Corelli's successor at the palace of Cardinal Ottoboni. Johann Sebastian Bach studied Corelli's compositions. A remarkable tribute to Corelli was made by Serge Rachmaninoff in his concerto for piano and orchestra titled 'Rhapsody on a theme of Corelli' (aka.. Corelli Variations, Opus 42,1931).
Arcangelo Corelli died on January 8, 1713, in Rome and was laid to rest in the Pantheon of Rome.
Corelli's Concerti Grossi may be heard in film soundtracks as well as in numerous recordings of the Baroque music and in live concert performances.
Corelli was a highly reputable teacher of music and composition. Besides giving music lessons to his aristocratic patrons, he taught such composers as Francesco Geminiani and Pietro Locatelli. His strong influence was recognized by Antonio Vivaldi who became Corelli's successor at the palace of Cardinal Ottoboni. Johann Sebastian Bach studied Corelli's compositions. A remarkable tribute to Corelli was made by Serge Rachmaninoff in his concerto for piano and orchestra titled 'Rhapsody on a theme of Corelli' (aka.. Corelli Variations, Opus 42,1931).
Arcangelo Corelli died on January 8, 1713, in Rome and was laid to rest in the Pantheon of Rome.
Corelli's Concerti Grossi may be heard in film soundtracks as well as in numerous recordings of the Baroque music and in live concert performances.
