Biography
Cristiano Farinelli (17th century) was an Italian composer and violinist. Cristiano Farinelli was a friend of the composer Arcangelo Corelli and is said by some musicologists to have been the uncle and perhaps patron of the famous castrato Carlo Broschi whose stage name was Farinelli.
Date and place of his birth and death are unknown. After living for some time in France, we find him from 1680 to 1685 at Hanover, side by side with Handel, as leader of the band. According to Chrysander, he was in the Elector's service in 1714, and, on the latter's accession to the English throne, composed a cantata on the words, "Lord, remember me when thou comest in Thy kingdom". He appears to have enjoyed a great reputation as a performer, and considerable popularity as a composer of instrumental music in a light and pleasing style. He excelled especially in the performance of Lulli's airs and his own so-called Follia, which was known in England during the 18th century as "Farinell's ground". Farinelli was ennobled by the King of Denmark, and, according to Hawkins, was appointed by George I his resident at Venice.
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