Francesco Antonio Bonporti (1672-1749) was an Italian priest, violinist and composer active during the late Baroque period. Born in Trento, he studied in Rome and belonged to the generation shaped by Corelli’s example in instrumental music.

Bonporti wrote sonatas, concertos and other instrumental works, many of them for violin. His published collections circulated widely enough for some pieces to be copied by Johann Sebastian Bach, which has helped preserve interest in his music.

His style is elegant, melodic and formally clear, with a strong feeling for the expressive possibilities of the violin. Like many Italian composers of his time, he helped refine the language of solo and ensemble instrumental writing.

Though never as famous as Corelli or Vivaldi, Bonporti remains a worthwhile Baroque voice. His music offers polish, warmth and a lucid sense of line, qualities that travelled further than his name.