Geminiani's six Concerti Grossi Op. II were so well-received at public performances that he rushed their publication in 1732 to prevent pirated editions.
Compositional Technique
In the last three concertos of his Op. II, Geminiani included two transverse flutes in the concertino, a clever marketing move given the instrument's popularity in England.
Composer Biography
Geminiani studied with Arcangelo Corelli, a renowned violinist and composer, in Rome and Alessandro Scarlatti, a famous opera composer, in Naples.
Historical Context
Many 18th-century Italian virtuoso instrumentalists, like Geminiani, emigrated from Italy to find opportunities and contribute to the growth of instrumental music across Europe.
Historical Context
The pairing of Handel's 'Ouverture to Agrippina' with Geminiani's 'Concerti Grossi Op. II' on this album reflects a common practice of the time at London's Haymarket Theatre.
Composer Biography
Francesco Geminiani, born in Lucca in 1687, came from a large family of musicians and likely received his first lessons from his father.
You might also enjoy...
Geminiani: Six Concerti grossi, Op.3
Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 7-12
Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 1- 6
Geminiani: Concerti Grossi, Op. 2
Evaristo Felice Dall'Abaco: Concerti a più istrumenti, Op. 6 Nos. 3, 5 & 10 & Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297
Geminiani: Quinta Essentia
Manfredini: 12 Concerti, Op. 3
Locatelli : Concerti grossi
GEMINIANI: Concerti Grossi, Vol. 2
Manfredini: Concerti Grossi Op. 3, Nos. 1-12
II. Adagio e con affetto
Herbert von Karajan - Christmas Adagio
Alle lacrime - Concerti grossi in the legacy of Corelli
