Pietro Locatelli
Italian Baroque composer and violinist Pietro Locatelli was born in Bergamo on 3 September 1695. As a child he played violin at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo, and probably studied there.
From 1711 he studied in Rome and from 1714 worked in Rome as a violinist and began to have his own music performed.
From 1723 unti 1728 he travelled through Italy and Germany, and most of his concert music was probably written during this period.
In 1729 he moved to Amsterdam, composing less but teaching and publishing his and other composers' music, and remaining there until his death at home on the Prinsengracht on 30 March 1764.
A selection of articles about Pietro Locatelli
CD Spotlight. Grace and Elegance - Italian concertos heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Boundless enjoyment from beginning to end.'
CD Spotlight. Much to Enjoy - Violin concertos by Vivaldi, Locatelli and Leclair senior delight Gerald Fenech. 'Théotime Langlois de Swarte despatches these pieces with glorious dexterity, and the freshness of his playing is so engaging that you never tire of listening.'
CD Spotlight. Vibrantly Glowing Renditions - Virtuosic eighteenth century Italian violin concertos inspire Gerald Fenech. 'Čičić ... surmounts all the monstrous challenges with prodigious dexterity.'
CD Spotlight. Awesome Stuff - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Ilya Gringolts' performances of three violin concertos by Pietro Locatelli. 'Ilya Gringolts' playing is phenomenally spellbinding, and his scintillating virtuosity and flawless execution are absolute joys and wholly worthy of constant admiration.'
CD Spotlight. Christmas Night - Seventeenth and eighteenth century Italian festive music, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'This is a compilation full of craft and ingenuity ...'
Ensemble. Wonderfully Unusual - Vivica Genaux and Europa Galante, heard by Maria Nockin