Regarded by some as one of the greatest Italian composers and violonists ever, Torelli was a pupil of Giacomo Antonio Perti in Bologna. At the age of 26 he became a member of the Accademia Filarmonica on June 27, 1684. He directed the capella at the cathedral (San Petronio) of Bologna, 1686 - 1695, then spent two years (1697 - 1699) at the court of Georg Friedrich, Margrave of Brandenburg at Anspach. In December 1699 he presented an oratorio in Vienna before returning to Bologna. A brief, rather formal concerto for four violins demanded disciplined control and intonation from its four soloists.
- 1688 12 Sonatas for violin and B.C. op.4.
- 1698 Concerti musicali a quattro op.6.
- 1709 Concerti grosso con una pastorale per il santissimo Natale op.8
- More than 30 concertos for 1 to 4 trumpets.