Geminiani, Francesco (1687–1762)

Italian violinist and composer. His treatise The Art of Playing the Violin (1751) was the first violin tutor ever published. His music was influenced by Arcangelo Corelli and is typically brilliant in fast movements and expressive in slow movements. He lived in London, Paris, and Dublin.

Geminiani was born in Lucca. He studied music under Alessandro Scarlatti and Corelli. In 1714 he visited England, where he very quickly became famous and decided to settle. A few years later he went to Dublin, and afterwards divided his time between England and Ireland. His teaching introduced modern violin technique to England, and he wrote several theoretical works.

Works concerti grossi, violin sonatas, cello sonatas, trio sonatas, keyboard pieces.