The eldest son of Giovanni Battista Vitali, Tomaso Vitali went in 1674 with his father to Modena. He went on to serve there as a violinist in the court musical establishment, later holding a leading position as capo del concerto. Through his pupil Senaillié he came to exercise an influence over French violin playing.
Instrumental Music
Vitali left solo and trio sonatas, among other instrumental works. The famous Chaconne attributed to him, and existing in a variety of later arrangements, is now thought to be the work of another composer.