Giovanni Bononcini (1670 - 1747) is perhaps one of the most underrated composers of the early-mid 18th century.  A prolific composer in all the genres of vocal music from cantata da camera to opera and oratorio, he also wrote a number of instrumental works, ranging from sonatas to sinfonie.

Admired both by his peers and by the public for his musical abilities, besides being a gifted composer he was also a brilliant cellist, Bononcini was sought after by royalty and the aristocracy and worked throughout Europe from his beginnings in Bologna, then to Rome, via Vienna to London, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon and returning to Vienna.

At this site we would like to offer you the opportunity to read more about this almost forgotten master, peruse some of his music available at Cantata Editions, pose questions and post answers on the discussion board and generally help us to promote knowledge about Giovanni Bononcini.

* Francesco Gasparini - (1668 - 1727)

STOP PRESS!! The editions total at the Giovanni Bononcini Website has just reached 48 with the addition of James Sanderson's edition of Giovanni Bononcini's continuo cantata Amo, peno, gioisco for soprano & continuo:

"I love, I suffer, I rejoice..." Once again our happy/sad lover is back with his masochistic take on love. In RARA format with two great arias, the first with some double-stopping in the continuo, this is another delightful cantata by Mr Bononcini. Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 895 (5) Range: c - g'
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