Biography
Nicola Matteis (Matheis) (fl. c. 1670–c. 1698) was an Italian-born violinist and composer in the Baroque tradition..
Born in Naples, nothing is known of Matteis' early life. He moved to London in the early 1670s, and had a merchant as a sponsor, who schooled him in the ways of currying favour from the gentry (by allowing them to accompany him in parlour recitals and other minor performances). He died in Colkirk, Norfolk, England,
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Matteis is credited with changing the English taste for violin playing from the French style to a newer, Italian one. His reputation grew over his lifetime, and resulted in high praise for his live performances (in concerts, audiences were often certain that more than one violin was being played) and popularity for his published works. Knowing many of his customers were amateurs, Matteis tended to give precise instructions with his published music, providing detailed notes on bowing, explanations of ornaments, tempos, and other directions. These notes have proved valuable resources for scholars reconstructing the performance practices of the time.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.