A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Vitali, Tomaso

by Paul David

VITALI, Tomaso, an eminent violinist and composer, was born at Bologna about the middle of the 17th century. He appears to have held appointments as leader of orchestras at Bologna and Modena successively, and, according to Fétis, published 5 sets of Sonatas for 1 and 2 Violins with Bass. His name has in our days again been made known to the general public by a Chaconne with variations, which was edited by F. David ('Hohe Schule') and has frequently been played in public by Mme. Neruda and others. This work, which has rightly been described as a worthy precursor of Bach's famous Chaconne, proves Vitali to have been a musician of great skill and remarkable talent.

[ P. D. ]