Six Concerti Grossi

Abstract

The list of Italian violinist-composers who settled in the British Isles during the eighteenth century includes Pietro Castrucci, Francesco Geminiani, Felice Giardini, Francesco Barsanti and a member of one of the most renowned musical families of Italy, Francesco Scarlatti. The younger brother of the illustrious oratorio and opera composer Alessandro Scarlatti, and therefore the uncle of the great harpsichord composer Domenico Scarlatti, Francesco Scarlatti left few traces of his life and career. The majority of his previously known compositions consisted of vocal works and only one instrumental piece, a sinfonia in C major. The existence of the concerti grossi of this edition was unknown until 2000, when they were discovered in one of the two workbooks of Charles Avison that reappeared after being hidden for more than two hundred years. The concertos were probably written in London at some point after Francesco Scarlatti moved to England in 1719 and represent a significant addition to his total output. They also enhance our appreciation and understanding of the musical activities of all the members of the Scarlatti family, and provide further insights into the reception of Italian musicians and the Italian concerto grosso in England during the eighteenth century.