Giovanni Antonio Pandolfi Mealli

(fl 1660–69). Italian composer and violinist. He was among the instrumentalists of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria at Innsbruck when his opp.3 and 4 were published in 1660.

The 1669 volume is attributed only to ‘D. Gio. Antonio Pandolfi’ but there is little doubt that it is by the same composer. The 1660 sonatas are characterized by rhapsodical, improvisatory outpourings over simple continuo accompaniments. While requiring considerable manual dexterity they never exceed fifth position. The designation ‘per chiesa e camera’ suggests an all-purpose style, and all 12 sonatas bear dedications, some to such famous musicians as Antonio Cesti, then maestro di cappella della camera at Innsbruck. The 1669 collection is remarkable in its choice of instrumentation: besides the ‘terza parte della viola a beneplacito’ (actually essential), the specified continuo is organ, a common chamber instrument but hardly ever mentioned, as here, in connection with dances. The dedication refers to performances at an academy.