Francesco Veracini

Francesco Maria Veracini was an Italian violinist and composer born on this day (February 1) in 1690 (Bach was five years old.) He first took lessons from his uncle and subsequently from persons I do not know anything about. The great Tartini considered him to be a better violinist than himself. Veracini traveled a great deal and lived in Venice, Dresden, Prague, and London. Many considered him to be the greatest violinist of his time. Of course, he never had to learn the Brahms or the Sibelius concertos. Although he composed four or five operas and many large works, he is best remembered for his violin sonatas. Some of his recorded music is available on the Naxos and the Arkiv labels. He died in 1768.