21.2.11 CotW - F. Geminiani

[french frank]

"Francesco Geminiani was considered something of a musical god, deemed to be the equal of Handel and Corelli, a master without parallel in the art of composition in 18th century London - Donald Macleod traces the life and music of this now largely forgotten composer.

Geminiani's life began in Lucca, initially learning the violin from his father, then on to lessons with Il Gobbo - "the Hunchback". He'd also go on to be tutored by two Arcadian masters, counterpoint with Alessandro Scarlatti, and additional violin lessons with Corelli..." Episode 1

[Simon]

The only thing I recall about him was that he never wrote anything for voice. Don't know if that's true or not, though!

[doversoul1]

Thank you ff for flagging this up. All those Concerto grosso (grossi?) will brighten up my days no end.

[Nick Armstrong]

Geminiani's life began in Lucca

My favourite town on the planet

I knew Puccini was from Lucca, but not Geminiani too!

I bought his Concerti Grossi last year, I went for Egarr/AAM I think. It's terrific stuff, Doversoul - prepare for brighter days!

[PatrickOD]

Although Carolan was undoubtedly an Irish musician I've always heard the baroque in his compositions, and especially when Geminiani's name crops up I can't help thinking of Carolan.

http://luccaitalianschool.blogspot.com/2010/09/turlough-ocarolan-e-francesco-geminiani.html

[ardcarp]

There are many lesser Baroque composers whose work is OK but just rather ordinary. I'd like to thank CotW for introducing me to Geminiani, with whom I'd had only a nodding acquaintance before. He was clearly a master of his craft and I've been very agreeably surprised by the quality of his work. One wonders if (like Spohr and Hummel a generation or two later) he might have been one of the 'greats' if it had not been for the mighty Handel. And as Donald Macleod said, his being a Catholic in London did not help with appointments, commissions and so on.

[StephenO]

There are many lesser Baroque composers whose work is OK but just rather ordinary. I'd like to thank CotW for introducing me to Geminiani, with whom I'd had only a nodding acquaintance before. He was clearly a master of his craft and I've been very agreeably surprised by the quality of his work.

Agreed. I almost didn't listen as a lot of Baroque music leaves me cold but this was something different. I was expecting second-rate Vivaldi at best but Geminiani's works sparkled with vivacity, excitement and originality. Brilliant.

CotW seems to be going from strength to strength at the moment - late Sibelius, young Shostakovich and friends, Paisiello and now a true Baroque master.

[Barbirollians]

I did not know his works at all but after buying some Avison concertos I have discovered an early AAM/Hogwood set of Geminiani\s Op 3 .

Terrific music and played with a great sense of discovery. Any other recommended Geminiani records - the AAM and Hogwood do not appear to have recorded any more .