Belgium

18 November

November 18th

Thomas Pitts Belgium, Composer Of The Day, Europe Loeillet of London, November, Trio Sonata in D minor

Jean-Baptiste Loeillet of London 18 November 1680 – 19 July 1730

Trio Sonata in D minor Op.2 No.4

Jean-Baptiste Loeillet of London
From https://www.tracklib.com/music/artists/jean-baptiste-loeillet-loeillet-of-london

Jean-Baptiste Loeillet of London was a prominent Flemish composer born on 18 November 1680 in Ghent, which was then part of the Spanish Netherlands. He is well-known for his contribution to Baroque music and is referred to as the London Loeillet to distinguish him from his cousin, Jean-Baptiste Loeillet of Ghent. After studying in Ghent and Paris, he moved to London in 1705 and adopted the name John. His musical compositions were published by John Walsh, featuring a variety of trio and solo sonatas, as well as collections of harpsichord lessons.

Loeillet excelled at multiple instruments, including the recorder, flute, oboe, and harpsichord, and he taught students to play the harpsichord. He also performed at the Queen’s Theatre and held weekly musical gatherings. His most notable achievements include introducing Arcangelo Corelli’s works to London and popularising the transverse flute, which was relatively new in England at the time. Jean-Baptiste Loeillet died in London on 19 July 1730.

16 May

May 16th

Thomas Pitts Belgium, Composer Of The Day, Europe May, Minor Swing, Nuages, Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt 23 January 1910 – 16 May 1953

Minor Swing

Nuages

Django Reinhardt
By William P. Gottlieb / Adam Cuerden – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Music Divisionunder the digital ID gottlieb.07301.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11088576

Django Reinhardt was a famous jazz guitarist born in Belgium in 1910. He grew up in a Romani family and developed a passion for music at a young age. His unique style mixed traditional Gypsy music with jazz, which made him stand out. When he was just 18 years old, a terrible fire injured his hand, but he did not let this stop him. Reinhardt adapted his playing style using only two fingers on his left hand, proving that determination can lead to success.

In the 1930s, he moved to France and became a key figure in the jazz scene. He was a member of the famous Quintette du Hot Club de France, where he performed alongside other talented musicians such as Stephane Grappelli. Reinhardt’s innovative sound influenced many musicians around the world. He continued to perform until his death in 1953, leaving behind a legacy that inspires guitarists even today. Django Reinhardt’s story reminds us that challenges can sometimes lead to incredible creativity.

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26 April

April 26th

Thomas Pitts Belgium, Composer Of The Day, Europe April, Fantaisie sur la Bohème de Puccini, Lenaerts

Anneleen Lenaerts Born 26 April 1987

Fantaisie sur la Bohème de Puccini

Anneleen Lenaerts
from https://www.anneleenlenaerts.com/photos

Anneleen Lenaerts, born on April 26, 1987, in Peer, Belgium, is a celebrated harpist known for her extraordinary talent in classical music. In December 2010, she became the Principal Harpist of the Vienna Philharmonic, highlighting her exceptional artistry. Anneleen began playing the harp at the age of nine and studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, where she achieved her master’s degree with the highest distinction in 2008. Over the years, she won 23 prizes in international competitions, including the Grand Prix International Lily Laskine.

As a soloist, she has performed with renowned orchestras and at prestigious venues like Wigmore Hall and Carnegie Hall. With an exclusive contract with Warner Classics, her albums have received critical acclaim. Her passion for music continues to inspire audiences around the globe.