Brother of Antonio Maria.

(contributed by Elizabeth Stoddard <elizstoddard@hotmail.com>)

Giovanni Bononcini, son of violinist Giovanni Maria Bononcini, was born in Modena, Italy on July 18, 1670. His father died when he was eight, leaving him an orphan. Despite this, Giovanni went on to use the musical talent passed down to him. By 15, he had published three instrumental collections. Before the age of 22, he had written at least 12 musical pieces. From 1692-1696, his collaboration with Silvio Stampiglia, a famous librettist of his time, resulted in at least six serenatas, one oratorio and five operas. By 1706, he was famous throughout Europe. In 1720, he was a composer for the Royal Academy of Music in London until 1722, then was re-engaged for the years of 1723-4. Throughout the later years of his life, he was court composer for many members of aristocracy at many different levels. From 1726, he was an active member for the Academy of Ancient Music. In 1727 or 8, he claimed to be the composer of "In una siepe ombrosa" until it was discovered to be from A. Lotti’s "Duetti, terzetti, e madrigali". This is just an example of the unacknowledged borrowing that was rampant at the time. After this he moved and worked around Europe until his death in Vienna, Austria in 1747.

During his lifetime, he created such works as "Il trionfo di Camilla", "Griselda" and "Impara a non dar fede". The term "Baroque simplicity" was used to describe his works.