Arcangelo Corelli A Biography and Music History Presentation

Arcangelo Corelli A Biography and Music History Presentation by: Peter Clegg

Biography and Achievements Born on February 17, 1653 in Fusignano, Italy His reputation was gained by the nice tone of his playing and the elegant form of his presentation. His contributions to music can be divided in three ways; a violinist, composer and teacher. It was his skill on the new instrument, known as the violin, which gave that instrument its prominent place in music. He was conferred many titles, like “World’s First Great Violinist, ” “Father of the Concerto Grosso” and “Founder of Modern Violin Technique. ” Corelli’s achievements had a great impact on instrumental music with a long list of composers, such as Handel, Bach and Albinoni in addition to his own pupils.

A Brief History of Sonate da Chiesa a tre, opus I (Rome, 1681) This Sonata was written in the Baroque Era Corelli dedicated Opus I to the Queen of Sweden, Queen Christina. She was an avid supporter of the arts and an accomplished musician herself. In 1674 she founded the Accademia Reale and in 1679, Corelli sought to satisfy her musical desires by composing sonatas for the Academy held in her residence, the Palazzo Riario. Given the support that Queen Christina had shown Corelli, it is not a surprise that he chose to dedicate his first published work to her. Most of Corelli's da chiesa sonatas follow a slow-fast-slow-fast pattern. This setup has been credited to Corelli. In Sonata No. 4 of Opus I there are three fast movements, which deviates significantly from this pattern. Even though the fourmovement S-F-S-F form was popular in the eighteenth century, it was rare in 1681.

Listening Guide: Sonate da Chiesa a tre, opus I, Sonate I Date: 1681 (Rome) Genre: Sonate da Chiesa “Church Sontata” Sonate 1 in F major Melody: Led by strings, Rhythm/Meter: Smooth, broad quadruple meter feel. Harmony: Imitation of melody, continuous bass line. Form: Slow, Fast, Slow Fast Performing Forces: 2 Violins and Organ 1. Grave　0: 00 Violins introduce the melody and theme. Slow moving, 2. Allegro　1: 21 Keep the same melody but with a happier tone and tempo. With a few reoccurring minor chords thrown in to keep things interesting. 3. Adagio　2: 46 Bring it back slow tempo, violins continue to take turns leading. Organ plays a counter melody. With a few dissonance chords played 4. Allegro　4: 42 Fast again! Violin plays a phrase, and Violin 2 and Organ imitate.

Listening Guide: Sonate da Chiesa a tre, opus I, Sonate II Sonate 2 in E minor Melody: Reoccurring counter melodies shared by the different instruments. Rhythm/Meter: Varying meter, starting with quadruple going to triple and ending a 3/8. Harmony: Imitation theme. Form: Slow, Fast, Slow Fast Performing Forces: 2 Violins, Cello, Organ 1. Grave　0: 00 Very Dramatic and drawn out. 2. Vivace　1: 40 Lively, almost like a competition between instruments. 3. Adagio　2: 44 Slow things down, and change meter. 4. Allegro　4: 06 Variation of the original melody. Imitation of the first violin. Ends in a key change a step and a half up.

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