The famous music historian Charles Burney described Veracini as a 'capo pazzo' (madman), while others noted his arrogance, presumptuousness, intransigence, and eccentricity.
Instruments
Veracini tragically lost two precious violins by J. Stainer, which he affectionately called 'San Pietro' and 'San Paolo,' when his ship shipwrecked while crossing the English Channel.
Interpretation
L'Arte dell'Arco, the ensemble on this recording, specializes in authentic performances of Italian Baroque music, particularly from the Venetian Republic, using period instruments and historical performance practices.
Composer Biography
Veracini's grandfather, Francesco di Niccolò, was an outstanding violinist, and his uncle Antonio was also a respected violinist and composer, influencing his early musical education.
Composer Biography
In a fit of madness in 1722, Veracini threw himself from a window, breaking his leg, leading to various speculations about the cause.
Historical Context
The 18th century saw the peak of the 'violinist-composer' figure, with Italian musicians like Veracini playing a crucial role in this Europe-wide phenomenon.
Composer Biography
Francesco Maria Veracini, the composer, was born into a Florentine middle-class family of painters, silk merchants, and pharmacists, though his father was an exception, not involved in music.
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