Francesco Mancini was a prominent Italian composer of the Baroque period, whose work primarily spanned the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born on January 16, 1672, in Naples, Italy, Mancini was most well-known for his instrumental music, particularly his compositions for the recorder and other wind instruments which were quite popular in his time. As a pupil of Bernardo Pasquini and a key figure in the Neapolitan School of music, Mancini held various prestigious positions throughout his career, including the maestro di cappella at the court chapel and the chapel of San Filippo Neri in Naples.

Mancini's work has seen a modern revival with several releases that showcase his mastery in creating intricate and lyrical pieces for wind instruments. Among these releases, his "12 Sonate per flauto e il suo basso," including both volumes one and two, underline Mancini's contribution to flute repertoire. These compositions display Mancini's understanding of the instrument's capabilities, blending melodic expressiveness with technical finesse. His "Six Recorder Sonatas,” "Seven Recorder Sonatas,” and "Sei Sonate Per Flauto Dolce Basso Continuo" remain staples in the baroque recorder literature. His works, such as "Mancini: 12 Recorder Concertos" and "12 Recorder Sonatas," continue to enchant modern audiences with their elegant phrasing and harmonic richness. He is acknowledged for his distinctively Neapolitan sensibility, which often includes operatic elements in his sonatas, reflecting the merging of sacred and secular musical traditions prevalent in his home city. Francesco Mancini's death on September 22, 1737, left a significant impact on the world of Baroque music, leaving behind a rich legacy of compositions that continue to be explored and celebrated today.

Genres

Baroque

Italian Baroque

Latest Release

Francesco Mancini: 12 Sonate per flauto e il suo basso, Volume secondo

Francesco Mancini

Album - 25 Tracks - Released April 14, 2023