How did Arcangelo Corelli influence the Baroque sonata?

Arcangelo Corelli was a pivotal figure in the development of the Baroque sonata, primarily through his role in standardizing its form and instrumentation. His published works, beginning in 1681, helped clarify and define the two primary directions of the genre: the sonata da chiesa (church sonata) and the sonata da camera (chamber sonata).12

Corelli’s influence on the sonata included:

• Structural Standardization: He helped stabilize the sonata da chiesa as a four-movement work (slow–fast–slow–fast) and the sonata da camera as a collection of dance-style movements.1
• Instrumentation: He solidified the use of the trio sonata—typically scored for two violins and basso continuo—as the principal chamber music form of the era. He also composed influential "solo" sonatas for a single violin with continuo.1
• Violin Technique: As a virtuoso violinist, his compositions advanced violin technique, setting a standard for later composers such as Antonio Vivaldi and Giuseppe Tartini.1

By synthesizing these elements, Corelli provided a foundational model that influenced major Baroque composers, including George Frideric Handel and Henry Purcell.2