Italian concerto composers revolutionized music in the early 18th century. Vivaldi, Tartini, Locatelli, and Albinoni created over 650 concertos, standardizing structures and pushing technical boundaries. Their innovations shaped the genre's development and influenced composers across Europe.

These Italians introduced the ritornello form, expanded solo sections, and developed virtuosic techniques. Their work spread through publications and travel, inspiring Bach, Handel, and others. This led to unique national styles blending Italian elements with local traditions.

Notable Italian Concerto Composers and Their Innovations

Italian composers of concertos

• Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) composed over 500 concertos, standardized the three-movement structure (fast-slow-fast), developed the ritornello form alternating between full orchestra and solo passages
• Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770) composed over 100 violin concertos known for virtuosic writing and technical challenges (double stops, trills)
• Pietro Antonio Locatelli (1695-1764) composed 12 violin concertos Op. 3 "L'arte del violino" expanding solo sections and introducing more virtuosic elements (high positions, arpeggios)
• Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751) composed over 50 concertos mostly for oboe, contributing to the development of the oboe concerto genre

Vivaldi vs contemporary concerto styles

• Vivaldi's concerto style established the ritornello form, emphasized virtuosity and idiomatic writing for solo instrument, used clear melodic themes and sequences
• Tartini's concerto style featured more complex and technically demanding solo parts (double stops, ornamentation), expanded expressive range of the violin, incorporated vocal style elements
• Locatelli's concerto style extended solo sections with virtuosic cadenzas, pushed boundaries of violin technique, influenced by Vivaldi but with more flamboyant and dramatic approach

Innovations of Tartini and Locatelli

• Tartini developed a more expressive and cantabile violin playing style
  • Introduced advanced techniques like double stops and trills
  • Composed famous "Devil's Trill" sonata showcasing his virtuosity
• Locatelli expanded technical possibilities of the violin
  • Used high positions, double stops, arpeggios
  • Introduced concept of "capriccio" – virtuosic solo passages within concerto
  • Influenced development of violin technique and pedagogy

Impact of Italian concerto school

• Italian concerto style disseminated widely as Vivaldi's concertos were published and circulated throughout Europe, Italian composers and musicians traveled to other countries spreading their influence
• Composers in other countries were influenced:
  • Johann Sebastian Bach adapted Vivaldi's concerto style (Brandenburg Concertos, keyboard concertos)
  • George Frideric Handel incorporated Italian concerto elements (opus 6 concerti grossi)
  • French composers like Jean-Marie Leclair were influenced by Italian violin school
• National concerto styles developed blending Italian elements with own traditions
  • German composers Georg Philipp Telemann and Johann Joachim Quantz
  • English concerto style of Thomas Arne and William Boyce combined Italian influences with local preferences