Three collections of instrumental works were published by Giovanni Bononcini in 1685, when the musician was just fifteen years old. Born in Modena in 1670, he emerged from a family of string players to become a highly sought-after composer and cellist within the influential musical circles of Italy, Germany, Austria, and England throughout the Baroque era.
Early Career and Roman Patronage
After the death of his father, Giovanni Maria Bononcini, the young composer studied at the San Petronio Basilica in Bologna under Giovanni Paolo Colonna. By 1686, he gained entry into the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna. His career progressed rapidly in Rome under the patronage of Filippo II Colonna, for whom he collaborated with librettist Silvio Stampiglia. During this period, he produced successful operas such as the 1694 work Xerse and gained membership into the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia and the Accademia degli Arcadi.
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Bononcini transitioned to the service of Emperor Leopold I in Vienna before becoming the favored composer of Queen Sophia Charlotte in Berlin during the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1720, he relocated to London, where he entered a high-profile rivalry with George Frideric Handel. The competition divided London’s political factions, with the Whigs supporting Bononcini. His London tenure eventually soured following proven allegations of plagiarism regarding a madrigal composed by Antonio Lotti, which led to his departure in 1733.
Final Years in Vienna
The composer's later years were marked by financial instability and travel. After being defrauded by Count Ughi in France, he performed religious music at the Concert Spirituel and taught cello in Lisbon. He eventually returned to Vienna in 1736, where he produced Alessandro in Sidone and Ezechia. Despite securing a pension from Maria Theresa of Austria in 1742, he died in Vienna in 1747, largely forgotten. A Te Deum he composed in 1741 was performed posthumously to mark the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
Fast facts
- Born: 1670, Modena
- Died: 9 July 1747, Vienna
- Occupations: Composer, cellist
- Key patrons: Filippo II Colonna, Emperor Leopold I
- Marriage: Margherita Balletti
- Noted opera: Il trionfo di Camilla
- Movement: Baroque music
Questions readers ask
Why did Bononcini leave London?
He left London in 1733 after being accused of plagiarizing a madrigal by Antonio Lotti.
Who was Bononcini's primary rival?
His main professional rival was George Frideric Handel, with whom he competed for popularity in London.
Achievements
- Instruments: cello
- Genres: opera
