Arcangelo Corelli was an Italian composer and violinist of the Baroque era, born on February 17, 1653, in Fusignano, near Imola, Papal States (now Italy). He is renowned for his significant contributions to the development of the sonata and concerto forms, as well as for establishing the preeminence of the violin and coalescing modern tonality and functional harmony.

Corelli’s career was marked by his training in Bologna and Rome, where he spent most of his life with the support of wealthy patrons. Despite his limited production, consisting of just six published collections, he achieved great fame and success throughout Europe. His works are admired for their balance, refinement, sumptuous harmonies, rich textures, majestic theatricality, and clear, expressive polyphony.

As a virtuoso violinist, Corelli was considered one of the greatest of his generation and contributed to placing the violin among the most prestigious solo instruments. He was also a significant figure in the evolution of the traditional orchestra.

Corelli’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, with many of his compositions still widely used in musical academies as didactic material and pieces capable of affirming themselves in today’s concert repertoire. His position in the history of Western music is considered crucial, being recognized as one of the greatest masters at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.