Pietro Degli Antoni

Pietro degli Antonii (16 May 1639 – 25 September 1720) was an Italian composer. Pietro degli Antonii, son of a trombonist, spent his entire life in Bologna where he was born and died and around 1670 became a member of the prestigious Accademia Filarmonica, of which he was elected chairman several times. He was also director of music in three important churches in his home town. With his brother Giovanni Battista degli Antonii [de] (1636-1698) and Giovanni Battista Vitali, he is regarded as an important representative of the Bolognese School [de] after Maurizio Cazzati. His main merit is his contribution to the development of the sonata da chiesa and the sonata da camera. His preference for slow, melodious movements based on singing is particularly noteworthy. Thus a trio sonata published in 1680 bears the movement names Largo - Lento - Grave - Lento - Grave. In addition to instrumental compositions, he created numerous cantatas.