Arcangelo Corelli was an Italian composer and violinist whose work laid a cornerstone for the development of Baroque music, particularly the forms of the concerto grosso and sonata. Renowned for his compositional innovation and technical mastery, Corelli was a central figure in the musical world of his time.
Early Life and Education
Corelli was born on February 17, 1653 in Fusignano, Italy, into a family of minor nobility. His father, Fedele Corelli, passed away shortly before Arcangelo’s birth, leaving his mother, Santa Ruffini, to raise him. Recognizing his musical talent early on, she arranged for him to study music locally.
Corelli later traveled to Bologna, a significant cultural and musical center, where he studied violin under teachers such as Giovanni Benvenuti and Leonardo Brugnoli. Bologna’s Accademia Filarmonica also provided him a platform to refine his skills and gain recognition as a virtuoso violinist.
Career and Move to Rome
In the 1670s, Corelli relocated to Rome, where his career flourished. There, he gained the patronage of influential figures, including Queen Christina of Sweden and later Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni, who became his most prominent supporter. Ottoboni’s palace became a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, with Corelli at the center of its musical endeavors.
Musical Contributions
Corelli’s works are divided primarily into three categories: sonatas, concerti grossi, and trio sonatas. Each demonstrates his ability to combine technical mastery with expressive beauty.
Trio Sonatas (Op. 1, 2, and 3)
Corelli’s Trio Sonatas were published in sets of 12, starting in 1681 with Op. 1. These works are for two violins and continuo, a format he popularized. The pieces exhibit balance and clarity, with intricate contrapuntal interplay between the violin parts.
Violin Sonatas (Op. 5)
Published in 1700, Corelli’s Violin Sonatas marked a high point in Baroque violin music. The twelfth sonata in this collection, a set of variations on La Folia, remains one of his most celebrated works.
Concerti Grossi (Op. 6)
Corelli’s Concerti Grossi were published posthumously in 1714. These works, featuring a small group of soloists contrasted with a larger ensemble, became models for composers like Handel and Vivaldi.
Performance Style and Influence
Corelli was a revolutionary in violin technique and ensemble playing. His approach to bowing, phrasing, and ornamentation set new standards for performance. He was highly regarded as a teacher, and his pupils included Francesco Geminiani and Pietro Locatelli, who carried his legacy forward.
Corelli’s music was widely disseminated and remained influential well into the 18th century. His works established principles of harmonic progression, voice leading, and form that became foundational in Western music.
Later Years
In his later years, Corelli focused on composition and teaching, although he remained an active performer. Corelli played a significant role in the musical circles of Rome, earning a place of honor within the most prestigious circles of the aristocracy.
Corelli never married and lived a relatively private life. His relationship with his patron, Cardinal Ottoboni, was central to his personal and professional success. He passed away in Rome in 1713 and was buried in the Pantheon, a rare honor for a musician.