Archangelo Corelli: "The World's FIRST Great Violinist!"

Archangelo Corelli or otherwise known as the "Founder of Modern Violin Technique" the "Father of the Concerto Grosso" or "The World's First Great Violinist!" was born in Italy in 1653. He took on his musical training in Bologna and established himself in Rome during the 1670's and quickly became internationally known for his musicianship. After serving Queen Christina of Sweden in 1679, Corelli was able to leave her courts and gain patronage anywhere he liked. To put this into perspective, Corelli was the Baroque Era's "Paganini". The violin was his passion. He played, composed and even taught it. Corelli made the violin, which was at the time new to the music world, a popular instrument which over the years has cemented its legacy in music. While Corelli toured Europe performing the violin, his compositions were sold and honored throughout Europe, making the violin the most popular instrument in music at that time. Corelli did not produce a large sum of compositions, but he still composed great music. He popularized the form Concerto Grosso by producing pieces that people came to love. "Of all his compositions it was upon his Opus 6 that Corelli labored most diligently and devotedly. Even though he wouldn't allow them to be published during his lifetime, they still became some of the most famous music during the time. The date of composition is not certain, for Corelli spent many years of his life writing and rewriting this music, beginning while still in his twenties." (http://www.baroquemusic.org/bqxcorelli.html) Corelli's teachings were remarkable. He produced many writings on the violin and taught prestigious musicians such as Antonio Vivaldi and Geminiani. His style of composition was imitated throughout Europe and his music influenced future musicians, Handel and Bach, who both wrote music dedicated to him. For the last thirty years of his life Corelli attained high positions as a composer, performer and teacher in Rome, before his passing in 1713. Unlike many other musicians from this time, Corelli died a very rich man. On November 4, 2011 The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes will be performing Corelli's Concerto Grosso in D Major Op. 6, No. 4. Tickets can be purchased online at osfl.org, by phone at 607-936-2873 OR by person at 52 W Market Street (Corner of Walnut St. & Market St.)
Corning, NY 14830. Tickets are $25 per adult and $5 per student (with valid student ID).