Not much is known about the life of Tomaso Albinoni. He thought of himself as an amateur musician. Although completely trained in his art, he did not seek professional employment in music. He was one of the most prolific writers of the violin concerto in the high Baroque. He first attempted to compose church music, but was not successful. However in 1694 Albinoni found his milieu with the publication of 12 trio sonatas and the production of his opera Zenobia, Regina de Palmireni. Albinoni was extremely prolific and is said to have composed over 80 operas, 40 solo cantatas, 79 sonatas, 59 concerti, and 8 sinfonie. His compositions were admired by Johann Sebastian Bach, who used themes of Albinoni's in several of his keyboard fugues. Albinoni was at one time accorded a place in the history of music next to Corelli and Vivaldi. At the beginning of the twentieth century, editions of his works were published, and his violin music is still performed.