Eight opus numbers define the published catalog of Giovanni Battista Somis, an Italian violinist who bridged the musical traditions of Italy and France. Active throughout the Baroque era, he maintained a career centered in Turin, serving as a solo violinist to the king and directing the royal band from his home city for much of his life.
Early Training and Career
Born in Turin in 1686, Somis received his foundational training under Arcangelo Corelli between 1703 and 1707. Following this period of study, he secured appointments as both a violinist and conductor in his birthplace. These roles kept him in Turin for the duration of his professional life, with few exceptions. One documented departure occurred in 1731, when he traveled to Paris to perform at the Concert Spirituel. A report published in the April 1733 edition of Le Mercure noted the quality of his performance.
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Somis produced a significant volume of work, comprising eight distinct opus numbers. His early catalog, published between 1717 and 1726, includes four sets of 12 sonatas for violin and figured bass, released in Amsterdam and Turin. He continued his work in Paris, publishing trio sonatas in 1733 and a further collection of 12 violin sonatas in 1734. His Opus 7, titled Ideali trattimenti da camera, appeared in 1750, followed by a final set of six trio sonatas cataloged as Opus 8. Additionally, LeClerc of Paris issued a collection of 12 sonatas for cello and figured bass around 1740.
Influence and Pedagogy
The technical development of violin playing benefited from his approach, which favored a more emotional and brilliant style. Somis served as a mentor to several prominent figures, including Jean-Marie Leclair, Louis-Gabriel Guillemain, Felice Giardini, Chabran, and Gaetano Pugnani. Through his teaching and performance, he established a connection between the Italian and French schools of violin technique. He remained active until his death in Turin in 1763 at the age of 77.
Fast facts
- Born: 1686, Turin
- Died: 1763, Turin
- Primary occupations: Composer, conductor, violinist
- Teacher of: Jean-Marie Leclair, Felice Giardini, Gaetano Pugnani
- Style: Baroque music
- Total opus numbers: 8
Questions readers ask
Where did Giovanni Battista Somis study?
He studied under Arcangelo Corelli between 1703 and 1706 or 1707.
What instruments did he write for?
He composed primarily for violin and figured bass, as well as trio sonatas and a set of cello sonatas.
Achievements
- Instruments: violin
