Arcangelo Corelli was a prominent figure in Roman musical life of the late 17 th and early 18th

centuries and was instrumental in the development of the orchestra. Corelli was trained as violinist in

Bologna. He later became a composer who, against the trend of the time, wrote purely instrumental

music. He was responsible for the organization and direction of many strikingly large musical ensembles,

in which he both played as soloist and directed.

Corelli made his musical living through aristocratic patronage. The demand for cultured

extravaganzas among the Roman social elite was very high. Corelli was in high demand in these elite

circles and most orchestral performances in Rome at the time were under his direction. He was employed

by notable patrons such as the wealthy cardinals Pietro Ottoboni and Benedetto Pamphili, both of whom

were nephews to the Pope. Under these patrons, Corelli was responsible for the recruitment and leading

of orchestras as well as the writing of musical arrangements for both private and public occasions.

Corelli and his orchestra played at various notable venues. Orchestras at that time in Rome had a

particular function. They served to color particular occasions with ornate style and esteem rather than

serve as concert attractions. Many of these occasions were of the upmost importance, such as the

celebration of James the 2nd coronation as the English king. Corelli was hired for private aristocratic

events, such as galas hosted by Queen Christina. He was also enlisted for public festivities such as church

patron saint festivals and awards ceremonies. It appears that any occasion of note was framed by Corelli

and his orchestral arrangements.

Q1. How much of the Roman cultural atmosphere was influenced by the Catholic Counter-Reformation?

Q2. Did Corelli believe that his music and performances should themselves be a central attraction (such

as a more modern type of concert) rather than ornamental? Was the occasion stealing his thunder?