Pietro Antonio Locatelli (1695 – 1764) was an Italian Baroque composer and violinist who is still remembered for his exceptional technique and complex, virtuosic compositions. His work largely contributed to the development of violin technique, laying the foundation for modern violin playing.
Locatelli was born on September 3, 1695, in Bergamo, a town in Lombardy, Italy. His musical talents were recognized early on, and by the age of 14, he was already a member of the Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Bergamo’s orchestra. His early training took place in his native city, but details about his initial teachers remain largely unknown. His extraordinary talent as a violinist was evident from his childhood.
In 1711, when he was 16 years old, Locatelli moved to Rome to pursue his musical studies. Here, he likely studied under the famous Arcangelo Corelli, another virtuoso violinist of the Baroque era. His influence on Locatelli was significant, as seen in Locatelli’s early compositions, which often mirrored Corelli’s style. Locatelli’s stay in Rome spanned from 1711 to 1728, and during this period, he performed for various important patrons, including the former queen of Poland.
Locatelli started publishing his works from the 1720s. His first published work, the 12 Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, was produced in 1721 and demonstrated his mastery of the violin. Many of these works were considered fiendishly difficult, containing elements of technical virtuosity that went beyond what was common at the time.
In 1725, Locatelli left Rome and began a period of extensive travel through Italy and Germany, performing for various nobility and possibly even teaching. He eventually settled in Amsterdam in 1729. The city, known for its flourishing arts scene and its printing and publishing industry, provided the perfect base for Locatelli. He would remain in Amsterdam for the rest of his life, focusing more on composition and pedagogy rather than public performances.
Amsterdam provided the environment Locatelli needed to refine his style and experiment with violin techniques. His compositions from this period, notably the violin concertos, are a testament to his evolving artistry. These works included the infamous “The Art of the Violin” (L’Arte del Violino), a collection of 12 concertos and 24 caprices for solo violin, published in 1733. This was a groundbreaking collection, highlighting the violin’s capabilities, with the caprices pushing the boundaries of virtuosic playing. Some even dubbed him the “Paganini of the 18th century” due to his exceptional technique.
The later part of Locatelli’s career was characterized by musical entrepreneurship. He started a business importing Roman strings for instruments, opened a publishing firm, and was involved in selling his compositions. He was also a teacher and had several pupils, some of whom became quite successful, such as Carlo Antonio Carlone.
Locatelli passed away on March 30, 1764, in his adopted city of Amsterdam. His compositions, particularly his concerti, and his revolutionary techniques left a profound mark on violin playing. Despite his somewhat reclusive last years, Locatelli’s work deeply influenced future generations of violinists, securing his place in the annals of music history.
Locatelli’s importance lies not only in his extraordinary virtuosity but also in his contributions to violin technique and music composition. His compositions, although less well known today compared to some of his contemporaries, represent a critical link in the evolution of the violin concerto from the Baroque to the Classical period. His legacy lives on, influencing violinists even today, centuries after his death.
Pietro Locatelli (1695 – 1764)
Pietro Antonio Locatelli (1695 – 1764) was an Italian Baroque composer and violinist who is still remembered for his exceptional technique and complex, virtuosic compositions. His work largely contributed to the development of violin technique, laying the foundation for modern violin playing.
Locatelli was born on September 3, 1695, in Bergamo, a town in Lombardy, Italy. His musical talents were recognized early on, and by the age of 14, he was already a member of the Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Bergamo’s orchestra. His early training took place in his native city, but details about his initial teachers remain largely unknown. His extraordinary talent as a violinist was evident from his childhood.
In 1711, when he was 16 years old, Locatelli moved to Rome to pursue his musical studies. Here, he likely studied under the famous Arcangelo Corelli, another virtuoso violinist of the Baroque era. His influence on Locatelli was significant, as seen in Locatelli’s early compositions, which often mirrored Corelli’s style. Locatelli’s stay in Rome spanned from 1711 to 1728, and during this period, he performed for various important patrons, including the former queen of Poland.
Locatelli started publishing his works from the 1720s. His first published work, the 12 Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, was produced in 1721 and demonstrated his mastery of the violin. Many of these works were considered fiendishly difficult, containing elements of technical virtuosity that went beyond what was common at the time.
In 1725, Locatelli left Rome and began a period of extensive travel through Italy and Germany, performing for various nobility and possibly even teaching. He eventually settled in Amsterdam in 1729. The city, known for its flourishing arts scene and its printing and publishing industry, provided the perfect base for Locatelli. He would remain in Amsterdam for the rest of his life, focusing more on composition and pedagogy rather than public performances.
Amsterdam provided the environment Locatelli needed to refine his style and experiment with violin techniques. His compositions from this period, notably the violin concertos, are a testament to his evolving artistry. These works included the infamous “The Art of the Violin” (L’Arte del Violino), a collection of 12 concertos and 24 caprices for solo violin, published in 1733. This was a groundbreaking collection, highlighting the violin’s capabilities, with the caprices pushing the boundaries of virtuosic playing. Some even dubbed him the “Paganini of the 18th century” due to his exceptional technique.
The later part of Locatelli’s career was characterized by musical entrepreneurship. He started a business importing Roman strings for instruments, opened a publishing firm, and was involved in selling his compositions. He was also a teacher and had several pupils, some of whom became quite successful, such as Carlo Antonio Carlone.
Locatelli passed away on March 30, 1764, in his adopted city of Amsterdam. His compositions, particularly his concerti, and his revolutionary techniques left a profound mark on violin playing. Despite his somewhat reclusive last years, Locatelli’s work deeply influenced future generations of violinists, securing his place in the annals of music history.
Locatelli’s importance lies not only in his extraordinary virtuosity but also in his contributions to violin technique and music composition. His compositions, although less well known today compared to some of his contemporaries, represent a critical link in the evolution of the violin concerto from the Baroque to the Classical period. His legacy lives on, influencing violinists even today, centuries after his death.
Discography
TRPTK nine-year anniversary sampler
Various Artists
à Amsterdam
Postscript