CONCERTI GROSSI [A. Corelli, Op. 6, 1712] Attached to the first edition was a dedication, dated 3 December 1712, to the Elector Palatine Johann Wilhelm. Although preparations for their issue were in an advanced state at Corelli’s death, it was left to one of his pupils, Matteo Fornari, to facilitate their release. Corelli had chosen Estienne Roger of Amsterdam as his publisher, and the two men had entered into a formal agreement on 21 April 1712. At this time, Roger already possessed some of Corelli’s concertos and was eager to publish the entire set. In return for their publication rights, Roger agreed to provide Corelli with 150 copies, free of charge, presumably for the composer to sell. In his will, as well as his collection of violins and manuscripts, Corelli bequeathed to Fornari his Op. 6 and ‘any gift’ that may come from their publication. Fornari was impatient to take possession of the copies promised to Corelli, but was distrustful of Roger, whom he suspected of procrastination. However, Fornari’s fears were groundless as Roger had begun to forward editions to him by September 1713. Corelli died on 8 January 1713 a rich man with a fine art collection of 142 paintings. He never saw them in print as they were published posthumously in 1714. Handel was well aware of the British populace’s predilection for Corelli’s concertos and composed his own set in 1739. Entitled the Grand Concertos, they emulated Corelli’s set but are very different stylistically; Handel paid homage to his illustrious predecessor by giving his set the same opus number.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 08:49:28 +0000