Joseph-Hector Fiocco

Joseph-Hector Fiocco (20 January 1703 – 21 June 1741), born in Brussels, was a composer and violinist of the late Baroque period.

His father, the Italian composer Pietro Antonio Fiocco, and one of his older brothers (he had no fewer than 15 siblings, including the composer and choirmaster Jean-Joseph) gave him much of his musical education. He also learned Greek and Latin well enough to be able to become a schoolteacher in both those subjects.

At the cathedral of Antwerp (1732–37) he was in charge of the music. In 1737 he returned to his birthplace and worked in the cathedral of that city. He died in Brussels when only 38 years old.

In connection with his cathedral employment, Fiocco wrote many choral works, including motets and Mass settings. Some of his most significant compositions are Lamentations du Jeudi Saint, a Missa solemnis and Pièces de Clavecin. His two suites for harpsichord were dedicated to the Duke of Arenberg, and they incorporate French and Italian styles. The first suite begins in the style of Couperin and ends with four Italian-style movements: Adagio, Allegro, Andante, and Vivace. He is also known to Suzuki violin students for his Allegro, which is part of the Book Six Suzuki violin repertoire (and has been recorded by Itzhak Perlman, among other great modern players). This piece has also been arranged for string quartet, and is sometimes heard at weddings.