Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) was an Italian violinist and composer whose influence on Baroque instrumental music was immense. Born in Fusignano and active chiefly in Rome, he became one of the great architects of violin style and concerto writing.

His published works are relatively few but extraordinarily important: trio sonatas, violin sonatas and the twelve concerti grossi of Op. 6. These pieces circulated widely and became models of balance, elegance and tonal organisation.

Corelli’s music is poised, lucid and noble, with a strong sense of harmonic direction and ensemble conversation. He helped establish the concerto grosso as a central Baroque form and raised violin writing to new refinement.

Later composers, including Handel and many Italians, absorbed his example deeply. Corelli’s reputation rests on quality rather than quantity: a compact catalogue with the structural strength of carved marble.