Antonio Veracini

Full biography Antonio Veracini

Antonio Veracini was an Italian violinist and composer born in Florence in 1659, during the Baroque period. He was a member of a prominent family of musicians and was the younger brother of the composer and violinist Francesco Maria Veracini. Antonio studied violin with his father, as well as with Giovanni Maria Casini and Giuseppe Corsi, and later became a solo violinist at the court of Ferdinand de' Medici in Florence.

Antonio Veracini was a prolific composer, with over 100 works to his name. He wrote numerous sonatas for violin and basso continuo, concertos, chamber music, and vocal works. His music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality, brilliant virtuosity, and a tendency towards the galant style. He was a highly respected violinist, known for his exceptional technique and was often compared to his brother, Francesco Maria Veracini, who was also a virtuoso violinist.

Although Antonio's fame as a composer was eclipsed by his brother's, his music still holds significant value. In fact, his trio sonatas were praised by musicologists for "playful and virtuosic" nature. His music was performed regularly during his lifetime, and he was well-regarded by his contemporaries as an important musician of his time. Additionally, Antonio served as the chapel master of the court of Dresden under the patronage of Augustus the Strong. He died in Dresden in 1733 at the age of 74.