Giovanni Battista Somis
Giovanni Battista Somis was an Italian violinist and composer of the Baroque music era.
He studied under Arcangelo Corelli between 1703 and 1706 or 1707. He was later appointed solo violinist to the king at Turin and leader of the royal band, and seems scarcely ever to have left Turin after these appointments.
A trip to Paris in 1731 to play at the Concert Spirituel produced a report in the April 1733 Le Mercure praising his playing.
He published eight opus numbers in all:
- Opus 1 - 12 sonatas for violin and figured bass
- Opus 2 - 12 sonatas for violin and figured bass
- Opus 3 - 12 sonatas for violin and figured bass
- Opus 4 - 12 sonatas for violin and figured bass
- Opus 5 - 6 trio sonatas for two violins and figured bass
- Opus 6 - 12 sonatas for violin and figured bass
- Opus 7 - "Ideali trattimenti da camera" for two violins, two flutes or violes
- Opus 8 - 6 trio sonatas
He formed a style more brilliant and more emotional, and caused a decided step forward in the art of violin playing. He was the teacher of Jean-Marie Leclair, Felice Giardini, Louis-Gabriel Guillemain, and Chabran, as well as Gaetano Pugnani, and he forms a connecting link between the classical schools of Italy and France. He died in Turin.
