Discover the Exquisite Artistry of Marco Uccellini
Embrace the entrancing sounds of 17th-century Italy with works from renowned composer, Marco Uccellini. Widely recognized for his contributions to the evolution of violin music, Uccellini's compositions continue to resonate powerfully today, captivating audiences with their intricate harmonies and delicate balance of rhythm and melody. His creative legacy lies less in operas or ballets—most of which have not survived—and more in his published instrumental works, notably his violin sonatas, which remain influential in the history of Western classical music.
Innovations and Style
Uccellini was among the foremost violinist-composers of the first half of the 17th century in Italy, building on and advancing the emerging sonata form. His violin sonatas are celebrated for their technical daring and inventive spirit. Uccellini pushed the boundaries of violin technique, exploring higher registers and unusual keys, and was known for his virtuosic passages that pushed the capabilities of the instrument beyond what was conventional at the time. British violinist Andrew Manze describes Uccellini’s style as pioneering for its search for “new colors” and “strange keys,” achieving a high G that was a record for violin technique, only surpassed after his death.
Professional Life
Uccellini was educated in Assisi and built a prominent career in Modena, where he became the head of instrumental music at the Este court in 1641 and later maestro di cappella at the Cathedral in 1647. From 1665 to 1680, he served as maestro di cappella at the Farnese court in Parma, composing both sacred and secular music. While his stage works (operas and ballets) for the courts of Modena and Parma have not survived, his concertos and sonatas provide testament to his compositional skills and deep knowledge of the violin and string writing.