Giovanni Battista Viotti

Giovanni Battista Viotti, born in 1755, was an Italian violinist and composer whose name is synonymous with virtuosity and innovation. Renowned for his exceptional skill on the violin, Viotti's compositions are celebrated for their prominent violin parts and lyrical melodies. He is credited with founding the 19th-century French violin school and composed 29 violin concertos that evolved from classical to romantic styles. Viotti's influence extended beyond his music; he directed opera companies in Paris and London and was acquainted with musical giants like Joseph Haydn and Ludwig van Beethoven. His legacy as a composer includes not just concertos and sonatas, but also charming songs that showcase his musical versatility. Viotti's revolutionary playing style, enhanced by the use of a new bow, left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.