Giovanni Battista Somis

Who was 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.