The eighteenth century was the first great age of the travelling virtuoso, with violinists—particularly Italian violinists—leading the way. Early in the century, such virtuosi as Geminiani, Veracini and Locatelli spent much of their lives outside Italy, followed later by Giardini, Lolli, Giornovichi, and many others. They sacrificed the relative security of an Italian court post or opera orchestra position for the prospect of fame and fortune in the capitals of northern Europe—alluring cities like Paris, London or St Petersburg. They might settle for many years in one place, especially if lucrative aristocratic patronage was forthcoming, or they might prefer to keep on the move on something like a modern concert tour.