Carlo Graziani

Graziani was a cellist whose musical compositions demonstrated and replicated his virtuosity. The medium of his range was quite high compared to the remaining register of the instrument. He would often compose extremely fast passages with polyphony and double-stops. The first movements of his compositions would often include two seemingly independent themes, both well-developed. He rarely used three movements and did not develop the other thematic avenues. Graziani's compositions often contained slow movements in which a captivating melody occurs but which was not developed in full symphonic form; the movements were almost song-like. He had made his debut with Giardini in London and succeeded Hesse as cello teacher to Friedrich Wilhelm II. ~ Keith Johnson