Giovanni Mossi

Giovanni Mossi (* around 1680 in Rome, † 1742 ) was an Italian composer and violinist of the Roman Baroque.

Life and work

Giovanni Mossi was the son of Viola player Bartolomeo Mossi, his brother Giuseppe was also a violinist and another brother, Gaetano was a singer in the papal cappella musicale. Giovanni Mossi was active from 1694 as a violinist and had only a short time ( 1709-1711 ) a permanent position at the court of the Duke of Bracciano. His career is divided into three phases. Before 1715 appeared regularly as a soloist in private palaces of cardinals, nobles or in bands of churches in appearance. Between 1716 and 1733 began an intense period of composing instrumental music, by continuing with the solo activity. During this time Mossi published at Amsterdam his three publishers sonata collections and three concert collections. Between 1733 and his death, he composed and performed scarcely less and less in the public appearance. Is not entirely clear what relationship Mossi was to Cardinal Schrattenbach, Princess Vittoria Pallavicini Altieri and Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni, where he his collections opp. 1, 4 and 6 are dedicated.

Uncertainty remains as to whether Mossi as already reported in his lifetime, as a student Arcangelo Corelli may apply, since there is no written evidence of this. Nevertheless, both have known with certainty. In the sonatas of Corelli Mossis the influence is unmistakable, but in his concerts, he is stylistically different ways to show the parallels to the works of Giuseppe Valentini. The 26 Concerti opp. 2, 3 and 4 are applied every three or viesätzig, fast movements alternate with slow starting. The solo violin takes over in op 4 the Roman practice of the concerto grosso form in the two solo violins with two complementary Violin tutti. In op.4 No. 12 four solo violins are facing an equally powerful tutti.

Mossi belonged to Giovanni Battista Costanzi and Francisco Antonio de Almeida to the group of composers Corelli's successor.

Works

• Op. 1: 12 Sonata for violin, violone o clavicembalo ( 1716)
• Op. 2: 8 Concerti a 3 e a 5 ( 1720 )
• Op. 3: 6 Concerti a 6 ( 1720 )
• Op. 4: 12 Concerti Grossi ( 1727)
• Op. 5: 12 Sonata for violin and violoncello o symphony ( 1727)
• Op. 6: 12 Sonate da camera for violin, violoncello o clavicembalo ( 1733)