Francesco Geminiani, an Italian violinist and composer, settled in England in 1714 at the age of 27 after a career in various Italian cities.
Composition History
Geminiani's Sonatas Op.4 were self-published in London in 1739, with advertisements appearing in British newspapers in 1737 to call for subscriptions.
Compositional Technique
Geminiani's Sonatas Op.4 show French stylistic influence, characterized by refinement, detail, and elaborate ornamentation, diverging from the more straightforward Italian style.
Instruments
Igor Ruhadze performs on a Baroque violin made by Hendrik Jakobs in Amsterdam in 1693, on loan from the NMF.
Critical Reception
Upon their release, Geminiani's Sonatas Op.4 were considered some of the most challenging violin music ever composed, with Charles Burney noting they were "more admired than performed."
Composition History
The Sonatas Op.4 were expensive, costing one guinea, which was twice the usual price for a music publication of its scale, but were printed on large, sturdy paper.
Composer Biography
Francesco Geminiani performed several of his sonatas for King George I, accompanied on the harpsichord by George Frideric Handel.
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