Giovanni Battista Somis 1686 – 1763

Biography

Giovanni Battista Somis was born on December 25, 1686, in Turin, Italy, during a period of great musical flourishing in the region. He devoted his life to the art of violin performance and composition, becoming a prominent figure in the Italian musical landscape of the eighteenth century. His career unfolded entirely within his native city, where he contributed significantly to Turin’s cultural heritage during the late Baroque era.

Throughout his long life, Somis established himself as both a skilled violinist and a creative composer, disciplines that complemented and enriched one another. His work exemplified the musical traditions and innovations of his time, helping to shape the development of Italian violin music during a pivotal period. The depth of his involvement in Turin’s musical circles reflected his dedication to his craft and his commitment to his community.

Somis remained in Turin throughout his life, where he died on August 14, 1763, at the age of seventy-six. His nearly eight decades spanned a transformative era in European music, and his contributions as both performer and composer left an enduring mark on Italian musical tradition. He is remembered as an important figure in the history of violin performance and composition.