THE V I O LIN AND ITS MUSIC, GEORGE HART, "HE VIOLIN: ITS ...

THE Vi OLIN IN ITAL Y.
physician, surgeon, and apothecary for the use of all
that wanted their assistance."
I t was not until the year 1700 that Corelli's
famous solos appeared, the work above all others
which has influenced the art of Violin playing.
They were dedicated to Sophia Charlotte, Electress
of Bradcnburg, the grandmother of Frederick the
Great, and were probably composed during Corelli's
stay in Germany, but their publication deferred until
he had gained renown. That he played them himself
publicly on special occasions is known, and that he
regarded them with feelings of satisfaction seems
clear from his having taken three years to revise
and correct them. Giardini expressed himself to
Dr. Burney in the following words, relative to these
solos : "That of any two pupils of equal age and o
disposition, if the one was to begin his studies by
Corelli, and the other by Geminiani or any other
eminent master whatever, I am sure that the first
would become the best performer." That Giardini
was correct in his judgment on this point there is
not a shadow of doubt.
'vVe now reach the period of Corelli's visit to
Naples, about the year 1708 ; it was here that he
met Scarlatti. Dr. Burney, upon the authority of a
nameless friend, in whose judgment and probity he
tells us he had the most perfect reliance, gives an
account of Corelli at Naples, which is said to have
been furnished to the Doctor's anonymous acquaintance
by Geminiani five or six years before that