Arcangelo Corelli Program Notes and Sheet Music

Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) was an Italian composer and violinist of the Baroque era. He was one of the most important composers of his time, and his music had a profound influence on the development of the violin and the concerto grosso.

Corelli was born in Fusignano, Italy, in 1653. He began studying the violin at a young age, and by the time he was 15 he was already a skilled player. He moved to Rome in 1670, where he continued his studies with Giovanni Battista Bassani.

In 1681, Corelli published his first set of sonatas for violin and continuo. These sonatas were a critical and commercial success, and they established Corelli as one of the leading composers of his time. He went on to publish a total of 12 sets of sonatas, as well as 12 concerti grossi.

Corelli's music is characterized by its graceful melodies, its clear structure, and its use of counterpoint. His sonatas and concerti grossi were some of the first pieces of music to be written for solo instruments and continuo, and they helped to establish these genres as important forms of Baroque music.

Corelli was also a gifted violinist, and he was a popular performer in his own time. He was known for his beautiful tone and his technical virtuosity. He was also a respected teacher, and he had a number of famous students, including Francesco Geminiani and Giuseppe Tartini.

Corelli died in Rome in 1713. He was 59 years old. His music is still widely performed today, and he is considered one of the most important composers of the Baroque era.

Corelli's music is beautiful, elegant, and technically demanding. It is a testament to his skill as a composer and as a violinist. His music continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.