Giuseppe Tartini is regarded in some circles as the most important violinist/composer of his era. Many have credited Tartini with the invention of the combination tone(also known as the third tone or difference tone), whereby the playing of two pitches produces a third pitch whose frequency is the difference between its parent pitches. Tartini is also the reputed mentor of violin greats including Nardini, Pasqualino, Bini, Graun, and many others. He composed over 400 concerti and sonatas, only 70 of which were ever published.
He began his education at the University of Padua where he studied theology, philosophy and literature. He quickly abandoned the university in favor of the study of music theory, the violin and fencing. He was forced to flee Padua when he was 18. He had eloped with the daughter of the Cardinal Comaro, Bishop of Padua. The Bishop feared that Tartini had kidnapped his daughter and called for Giuseppe's arrest. Tartini fled, leaving his wife who was soon sent to a convent.
Tartini settled in at the Monastery of Assisi where he studied under the tutelage of the famous Czech musician Bohuslav Ceznohorsky. In 1715 Tartini discovered that he had been pardoned by the Cardinal and returned to Padua. Tartini wanted to perfect his violin play and traveled to Ancona and Cremona. It was in Ancona that he discovered the combination tone, and began his life as a composer.
Tartini's expertise became well known throughout Europe. He was offered a post as the solo violinist and orchestra conductor at the Cathedral of Padua. He was also offered a violin post in Count Kinsky's orchestra which played at the coronation of Charles VI. It is rumored that a fencing injury to his hands forced him to scale back his violin play, and begin his life as a teacher. He opened his school for violin-playing in Padua in 1728. It was enormously successful and attracted students from all regions of Europe. Many of his students went on to become the 18th century's most famous performers. He continued to compose and teach until his death in 1770.