Corelli: Six Works That Changed Music

Welcome to this episode of Origins of Music. Arcangelo Corelli published only six collections

of music in his entire life, yet he's the reason your violin sounds the way

it does today. This Italian composer wasn't chasing fame with hundreds of compositions.

He perfected six sets of works and basically taught Europe how instrumental music should work.

Born in 1653, he trained in Bologna, then moved to Rome where queens

and cardinals fought to have him lead their orchestras. Queen Christina of Sweden and Cardinal

Ottoboni both sponsored him, making him the most sought-after musician in the city.

His Opus 5 violin sonatas became the Bible for every violinist, studied and copied