Luigi Merci facts for kids
Luigi Merci, also known as Louis Mercy, was a talented musician from the Baroque era. He lived from about 1695 to 1768. Merci was born in England, possibly into a family with French and English roots. He passed away in Hereford in December 1768.
From 1717 to 1719, Luigi Merci worked for James Brydges. Brydges was an important nobleman. During this time, Merci played in a musical group led by the famous composer Handel. He also met some of the first members of the Freemasons, a social group.
In 1730, Luigi Merci married Ann Hampshire. They made their home in Covent Garden, a busy area in London. Merci worked with a person named Thomas Stanesby, who made musical instruments. Together, they tried to make the recorder popular again. At that time, the transverse flute was becoming more common.
Later, in 1752, Merci was a Master of Ceremonies in Bristol. This meant he helped organize events there. He also lived in the city of Bath. He died in Hereford, where his son lived. He was buried on December 27, 1768, in St Owen's graveyard.
Musical Compositions
Luigi Merci wrote many pieces of music. Four collections of his sonatas were published. A sonata is a type of musical piece, often for one or two instruments. These collections were printed by John Walsh in London.
Sonatas for Flute and Bassoon
- 6 Sonatas for flute and basso continuo op.1 (published in 1718)
- 6 Sonatas for flute and basso continuo op.2 (published in 1720)
- 6 Sonatas for bassoon or cello and basso continuo op.3 (published in 1735)
- 6 Sonatas for transverse flute and basso continuo, also called op.3 (published in the 1740s)
