Vitali, Giovanni Battista (1632–1692)

Italian viol player and composer. In 1673 he became maestro di cappella of the Santissimo Rosario, and in 1674 he went to Modena as vice-maestro of the ducal chapel. His oratorio on the execution of the English Duke of Monmouth was produced there in 1686, the year after Monmouth's execution.

Vitali was a pupil of Maurizio Cazzati, maestro di cappella of San Petronio at Bologna, where Vitali himself was a string player and singer from 1658.

Works Sacred and secular music psalms for two–five voices and instruments; oratorios Il Giono and L'ambitione debellata overo La Caduta di Monmouth; ten cantatas.

Other numerous dances for several instruments; sonatas for two violins and continuo and others for various instrumental combinations.