Arcangelo Corelli
(1653 - 1713)Italian violinist and composer. Studied in Faenza, Lugo, and (from 1666) Bologna. By 1675 was in Rome, where he became one of leading violinists. Joined court of Queen Christina 1679-86. From 1687 was under patronage of Cardinal Pamphili, and from 1690 under that of Cardinal Ottoboni. Lived in cardinal's palace and died a rich man with a fine art collection. His importance as a composer lies in his sonatas da camera and concerti grossi from which the solo sonata and the orchestra concertos of Handel and Bach evolved. His works are grouped under six opus numbers. Read more on Wikipedia.