Arcangelo Corelli (1653–1713) was a transformative figure in the world of Baroque music whose influence pervades to this day. Born in Fusignano, Italy, Corelli was a violinist, teacher, and composer who excelled in the art of string music. His compositional prowess centered on instrumental music, which established new standards, particularly in the sonata and concerto forms.

Corelli's Opus 6, a collection of twelve concerti grossi completed in the latter part of his life, remains one of his landmark accomplishments. These Concerti Grossi, including the famous "Christmas Concerto" (Concerto grosso in G minor, Op. 6, No. 8), showcase Corelli's adept instrumentation and his contribution to the concerto grosso form, where a group of soloists (the concertino) plays in contrast with the full orchestra (the ripieno). His other important work, the Violin Sonatas, Op. 5, particularly influenced the development of violin technique and style. Not only a skilled composer, Corelli was also renowned for his violin playing during his lifetime and educated many students who went on to become celebrated musicians themselves.

Corelli's works have continued to inspire and be interpreted by generations of musicians, evidenced by the numerous recent releases of his music, which reaffirm his enduring legacy. His compositions, which exude the balance and aesthetic ideals of the high Baroque, continue to be a touchstone for lovers of early music and remain integral to our understanding of the era's soundscapes.

Genres

Baroque

Classical

Early Music

Italian Baroque

Related Artists

Antonio Vivaldi

George Frideric Handel

Henry Purcell

Johann Sebastian Bach

Tomaso Albinoni

Francesco Geminiani

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Domenico Scarlatti

Giuseppe Tartini

Alessandro Scarlatti

Giuseppe Torelli

Jean-Philippe Rameau

Latest Release

Corelli: Violin Sonatas, Op. 5

Arcangelo Corelli•

Rachel Barton Pine

Album - 54 Tracks - Released September 13, 2024