Violinist, Composer, Theorist. One of the foremost violinists of his era, he broadened the expressive range of his instrument and established techniques that are still used today. He is probably best remembered for "The Art of Playing on the Violin" (1751), the first guidebook intended for professional musicians; in addition he wrote five influential treatises on harmony and guitar playing. His books are crucial to modern understanding of Baroque musical practice. Geminiani was born in Lucca, Italy, and studied in Rome with Arcangelo Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti. His first important post was as director of the Naples Opera in 1711. From 1714 he was based in London, where he won renown as a violin virtuoso and teacher. He was less successful with his other passion, collecting and selling art, and at various times he fled to Ireland, Paris, and the Netherlands to escape his creditors. It is believed he began writing textbooks to help pay off his debts. He died in Dublin. In 1929 Geminiani's remains were brought back to his birthplace and reinterred at the Chiesa di San Francesco, beside the tomb of another famous musician (and Lucca native), Luigi Boccherini. With the exception of the ballet "The Inchanted Forrest" (1754) Geminiani's music is entirely instrumental, written in high Baroque style and with a decided flair for drama. They include 45 concerti grossi, some 30 violin sonatas, and 18 arrangements of Corelli pieces.
Violinist, Composer, Theorist. One of the foremost violinists of his era, he broadened the expressive range of his instrument and established techniques that are still used today. He is probably best remembered for "The Art of Playing on the Violin" (1751), the first guidebook intended for professional musicians; in addition he wrote five influential treatises on harmony and guitar playing. His books are crucial to modern understanding of Baroque musical practice. Geminiani was born in Lucca, Italy, and studied in Rome with Arcangelo Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti. His first important post was as director of the Naples Opera in 1711. From 1714 he was based in London, where he won renown as a violin virtuoso and teacher. He was less successful with his other passion, collecting and selling art, and at various times he fled to Ireland, Paris, and the Netherlands to escape his creditors. It is believed he began writing textbooks to help pay off his debts. He died in Dublin. In 1929 Geminiani's remains were brought back to his birthplace and reinterred at the Chiesa di San Francesco, beside the tomb of another famous musician (and Lucca native), Luigi Boccherini. With the exception of the ballet "The Inchanted Forrest" (1754) Geminiani's music is entirely instrumental, written in high Baroque style and with a decided flair for drama. They include 45 concerti grossi, some 30 violin sonatas, and 18 arrangements of Corelli pieces.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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