Biography and Chief Works of Arcangelo Corelli

1653
- Born near Milan, of a patrician family
1666
- Went to Bologna for violin lessons.
1675-85.
- Traveled abroad, winning fame as a violinist.
- Attached to court of Elector of Bavaria for a time, and also visited Hanover.

1685.
- Settled in Rome. Published a book of 12 sonatas.
- Made a great reputation as violin teacher, performer and composer, and fame gradually spread throughout Europe.
- Moved in the highest circles of Roman society, and became permanent guest of cardinal Ottoboni, living in his palace, and conducting his Monday concerts.
1708.
- Conducted a work for Handel when he visited Rome, but he was not used to the fiery style, and Handel snatched his violin from him, to show him how it should be played.
Visited Naples, where Alessandro Scarlatti was the leading musician, but did not play very well (started a piece in C major when it was in C minor), and was so humiliated that he left Naples immediately. On returning to Rome, he found that a new violinist had superseded him, and was so perturbed that his health began to fail.

1713.
- Died, leaving £6000, and a fine collection of pictures.
Wrote 60 sonatas, most of them for two violins, 'cello and harpsichord continuo. Laid the foundations of future violin composition, though he never went beyond the third position.

Also wrote concerti grossi, which established this kind of orchestral writing. (See pp. 12, 75) Concise, lucid, dignified style, with good slow movements.