Biography
Fantini, who performed on and authored texts about the trumpet, held a post at the Tuscan court of Duke Ferdinando II. He journeyed to Rome in the company of Frescobaldi, whose organ playing joined his own in a performance of notable historical consequence. A performer of exceptional ability, Fantini helped free the trumpet from its earlier restrictions in tonal compass by extending its upper register and from its narrow confinement to military and courtly functions. The method book he produced for the instrument stands, in chronological sequence, perhaps second only to Bendinelli’s. “Modo per imparare a sonare di tromba” carries considerable historical weight because it contains the earliest known works scored for trumpet and continuo.