If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then ARCANGELO CORELLI (1653-1713) is one of the most honored of Baroque composers. With his concerti grossi, he established the manner for orchestral writing in this mode, a style that was followed by Handel and others and showed the way for the symphonists of the Classical period. His sonata writing for violin also set the formula for all time to come and immediately influenced J.S. Bach, as is most particularly evident in the Partita No. 2 in D Minor with its famous theme-and-variations Chaconne appendix.
Yet not only in matters of form but also in musical content, Corelli left an impression upon his contemporaries and successors. Phrases and whole lines of Corelli's are echoed and re-echoed by composers in themes and in variations through the time of Mozart and continuing as late as the days of Rachmaninoff. Though his output as a composer was modest, Corelli's work stands as a Rosetta Stone for the understanding and appreciation of much of the music that followed even into the 20th century.
Bruce Alexander
Copyright by Judith Aller 2007