[Born at Fusignano, near Bologna, 1653. Died at Rome, 1713. Aged 60.]
Corelli’s playing was distinguished by the most perfect sweetness and
smoothness. Of execution, as now understood, he had none. But he
possessed grace, finish, and an exquisite power of expression. His works
still keep their ground as an indispensable study for all who would
acquire a broad and artist-like style of playing. He was a modest and
unaffected man, and enjoyed an equable temper, which not even the rough
outbursts of Handel could disconcert. He had also humour. He would lay
down his violin if folks talked whilst he was playing, and apologize for
interrupting the conversation.
[Corelli was buried in the Pantheon at Rome. The author of this bust
is not mentioned; it was executed at the cost of Cardinal Ottoboni,
Corelli’s constant friend and patron.]