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Everything You Need to Know About the Violin From A-Z—Giovanni Batista Viotti

Charles Day Charles Day
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Hello today I will be continuing with my violin from A-Z series. We are now on G for Giovani Batista Viotti.  Giovanni Battista Viotti was an Italian violinist who was famous throughout the world for his virtuosity and work as a composer. He was born on 12 May 1755 in Fontanetto Po in the kingdom of Sardinia. As a child he displayed a large amount of talent and because of this he was taken into the household of Alfonso Cisterna where he received his musical education which prepared him to be a pupil of Gaetano Pugnani. After making his making his debut on the 17th of March 1782 he became an instant sensation. When the French revolution began he moved to London where he had massive success fiona viotti performing in many concerts and serving as musical director for a string of opera's. He was also invited to perform for the Prince of Wales. With Britain at war with revolutionary France he was ordered to leave the country, he later returned to Paris and London but gave up giving concerts and instead ran a wine business. Unfortunately his wine business failed and he returned to Paris to work as the director of the Royal academy of music from 1819 to 1821. He died on 3 March 1824 while on a visit to friends in London. Viotti owned a Stradivari which would eventually become known as the Viotti Stradivarius. His most notable compositions are his violin concertos. He wrote 29 of these of which the best known is No 22 in A minor which has been said to be a huge influence on Ludwig van Beethoven. He also wrote many other works such as sonatas and songs.

Eric B. Hill is an professional violin player and teacher with over 20 years experience