Galli, Domenico (EN)

Galli Domenico, Italian composer, luthier, woodcarver and engraver active in the late 17th century. All that is known about him is that he worked at the court of the Duke of d’Este in Modena. He was the author of a collection of sonatas, each of which he personally adorned with a rich vignette in the published edition. Two cellos of his making are known, notable for their beautiful ornamentation.

Galli’s collection of 12 sonatas was part of a series of publications of this kind (G. Colombi, G. B. Degli Antoni) and was probably written under the influence of D. Gabrielli’s Ricercari. Galli utilises the full range of the cellos of his time (down to B♭1 in the bass), and his work represents an important link in the development of playing technique on this instrument.

Literature: E. van der Straeten The History of the Violoncello, London 1915, reprint 1971.