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Giuseppe Torelli

Giuseppe Torelli (Verona April 22, 1658 - Bologna February 8, 1709) was an Italian composer and violinist, most remembered for his concerti grossi (Op. 8) and other music for strings and continuo, and his trumpet music.

Regarded by some as one of the greatest Italian composers and violonists ever, Torelli was a pupil of Giacomo Antonio Perti in Bologna. At the age of 26 he became a member of the Accademia Filarmonica on June 27, 1684. He directed the capella at the cathedral (San Petronio) of Bologna, 1686 - 1695, then spent two years (1697 - 99) at the court of George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg at Anspach. In December 1699 he presented an oratorio in Vienna before returning to Bologna. A brief, rather formal concerto for four violins demanded disciplined control and intonation from its four soloists.

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