Francesco Venturini

Francesco Venturini (c. 1675 - April 18, 1745, Hanover) was a musician and Baroque composer of unclear origin, despite his Italian-sounding name. In 1698 he became violinist in the court chapel of Electorate of Hanover, where he had married in the previous year. There is some evidence suggesting that he originated from present-day Belgium because his sons are recorded in the baptismal register as "Bruxellensis" (= from Brussels). In 1714, Venturini was named Kapellmeister, head of the court orchestra, and held this post until his death. He was a renowned composer in his time. He created chamber music, concerts and other works essentially in the suite form. His Concertos Op. 1 were printed 1715 by Estienne Roger in Amsterdam.