Italian composer and violinist. He studied in Bologna before settling in Rome. He became widely known as a violinist, director and teacher and lived with his family in the palaces of Cardinals Pamphili and Ottoboni.

 

His numerous students included Francesco Geminiani (1687-1762) and Pietro Locatelli (1695-1764).

 

As a violinist, he had a significant influence on the development of the violin style. As the first composer whose fame was based solely on his instrumental music, his reputation is based primarily on his sonatas and his 12 Concerti Grossi, which established the Concerto grosso form.

 

He wrote four movements of 12 trio sonatas each (1681-95), one movement of 12 solo sonatas (1700) and the Concerti grossi (1714).

 

Long after his death, his works were extensively studied and imitated because of their classical equilibrium and serenity. With his music, the ideal of full-fledged tonality has first and foremost firmly established itself.