Martini, Giovanni Battista

Martini, Giovanni Battista (jōvän`nē bät-tēs`tä märtē`nē), 1706–84, Italian composer and teacher, also known as Padre Martini. Martini became a priest in 1722. He acquired great prestige as a teacher, particularly of counterpoint. His students included J. C. Bach, Gluck, Grétry, and Mozart. Martini built up a vast library devoted to the historical, scientific, and mathematical aspects of music.

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Martini, Giovanni Battista 

(Padre Martini). Born Apr. 24, 1706, in Bologna; died there Oct. 4, 1784. Italian music theorist and historian, teacher, composer, choir director, singer, violinist, and harpsichordist. Franciscan monk.

Martini was a member and director of the Philharmonic Academy in Bologna. His principal theoretical work is Pattern, or Fundamental Practical Outline of Counterpoint (vols. 1-2, 1774-75). He wrote the History of Music (vols. 1-3, 1757-81), the first such work. His history deals only with ancient Greek and Roman music. Martini composed oratorios, works for organ and for harpsichord, vocal duets, and choruses with instrumental accompaniment. The musical world of 18th-century Italy centered on Martini. The conservatory and city library in Bologna are named after him.