Corelli, Arcangelo, << koh REHL ee, ahr KAHN jeh `law` >> (1653-1713), was one of the earliest major violinists and composers of violin music. Corelli’s compositions became models for both solo and ensemble music for the violin. He developed the concerto grosso, which combines a large instrumental group with a trio that usually consists of two violins and a cello. Corelli also wrote violin sonatas in four movements (sections), which became a standard form for later sonata compositions. Corelli’s works were published in six collections. Each of the first five collections consists of 12 sonatas. The sixth is a collection of 12 concerti grossi.
Corelli was born on Feb. 17, 1653, in Fusignano, near Imola, in Italy. He studied violin as a teenager at the Accademia Filarmonica in Bologna, but spent most of his adult life in Rome. He gained a reputation as an excellent musician and conductor and was popular in Roman social circles. For many years, he directed an important series of concerts at the palace of his friend and patron, Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni. Corelli died on Jan. 8, 1713.
