Francesco Geminiani

About this book

Although Francesco Geminiani is a relatively well-known composer whose name is frequently cited in studies of baroque music, his biography and works have been relatively little researched. His music was often analyzed without due reference to biographical and historical background, and his multifarious activities as violinist, composer, theorist, and small-scale entrepreneur were never considered in their full interrelationship. This volume attempts to provide a comprehensive account of a composer who in the first half of the eighteenth century dominated the English musical scene alongside Handel. The book traces Geminiani's life and career from his birth in Lucca in December 1687 to his activities in three centers: London, Paris, and Dublin. After analyzing the critical reception to Geminiani, both contemporary and modern, Careri examines his compositions by genre, illustrating his remarks with thirty-nine music examples, some presented in facsimile. The book also includes a complete thematic catalogue with music incipits, containing details of primary sources, reworkings and transcriptions, and modern editions. --From publisher's description.