18th Century

8 April

April 8th: Giuseppe Tartini

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy 18th Century, April, Baroque, Giuseppe Tartini, Violin Sonata in G minor ''Devil's Trill Sonata''

Giuseppe Tartini 8 April 1692 – 26 February 1770

Violin Sonata in G minor ''Devil's Trill Sonata''

Guiseppe Tartini
By Unknown author – https://www.flickr.com/photos/magika2000/27724761321/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49859252

Giuseppe Tartini was an Italian Baroque composer and violinist, born on 8 April 1692 in Pirano, which is now in Slovenia. Initially, he studied law and theology but chose to pursue music instead. His early life was marked by a secret marriage that forced him to seek refuge in a monastery, where he began studying the violin seriously. Tartini became well known for his virtuosic playing and expressive style, founding a violin school in Padua that attracted students from all over Europe.

His most famous work, the Devil’s Trill Sonata, was inspired by a dream in which the devil played a beautiful piece on Tartini’s violin. He wrote over a hundred violin concertos and sonatas, showcasing a deep understanding of the instrument’s capabilities. Tartini’s exploration of acoustics and music theory contributed to the understanding of harmony and intonation. He passed away in Padua in 1770, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.

Joseph_Karl_Stieler's_Beethoven_mit_dem_Manuskript_der_Missa_solemnis

26 March

March 26th: Ludwig van Beethoven

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany 18th Century, 19th Century, Classical, Ludwig van Beethoven, March, Piano Concerto No.5 in Eb, Piano Trio No. 5, Romantic, String Quartet No. 13 in B♭ Major, Symphony no. 5 in C minor, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major

Ludwig van Beethoven Baptised 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827

Piano Concerto No.5 in Eb Op.73

Piano Trio No. 5 Op. 70, No. 1 "Ghost"

String Quartet No. 13 in B♭ Major Op. 130

Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op.67

Symphony No. 9 in D minor Choral

Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major Op. 24

Ludwig van Beethoven
By Joseph Karl Stieler – Google Arts & Culture, rotated and cropped to remove the potentially copyrighted photo of the frame., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133271390

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist, widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Western classical music. His work marks the transition from the Classical period, represented by composers such as Haydn and Mozart, to the more emotional Romantic era. Beethoven was born in Bonn and showed musical talent early on. His father taught him strictly, hoping to present him as a child prodigy. He studied with Christian Gottlob Neefe, who helped him publish his first compositions.

In 1792, Beethoven moved to Vienna, where he studied briefly with Joseph Haydn and built a reputation as a brilliant pianist. Around 1798, he began to lose his hearing. By 1802, he was distressed by his deafness, as described in a letter known as the Heiligenstadt Testament. Despite this, he continued composing. During his “heroic” period, he wrote powerful works such as the Third Symphony and the Fifth Symphony. Beethoven struggled with health issues and died in Vienna in 1827 at the age of 56, leaving a lasting impact on music.

17 March

March 17th: Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, France 17th Century, 18th Century, Baroque, Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Female Composers, March, Sonata No. 2 in B-flat

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre 17 March 1665 – 27 June 1729

Sonata No. 2 in B-flat

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre
By François de Troy, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7250404

Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet was born into a family of musicians in Paris. Her father, Claude, taught her music, and at just five years old, she performed for Louis XIV at Versailles. This led to her becoming a musician in the royal court. In 1684, she married organist Marin de La Guerre. Jacquet de La Guerre was one of the few female composers of her time, composing in various forms, including sonatas and operas. Her first published work, Premier livre de pièces de clavessin, appeared in 1687. In 1694, she produced her opera, Céphale et Procris, the first opera by a woman in France. Although it received limited performances, her compositions were innovative. She blended French and Italian styles, influencing future music. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of her son and husband, she continued to compose. Her later works, such as the Cantates Bibliques, reflect her creativity. Jacquet de La Guerre’s legacy as a pioneering female composer continues to inspire musicians today.

14 March

March 14th: Georg Philipp Telemann

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany 17th Century, 18th Century, Baroque, Georg Philipp Telemann, March, Sonata in D major

Georg Philipp Telemann 24 March [O.S. 14 March] 1681 – 25 June 1767

Sonata in D major TWV 44:1

Georg Philipp Telemann
By Valentin Daniel Preisler – Valentin Daniel Preisler, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111944

Georg Philipp Telemann was a German Baroque composer born on 24 March 1681. He is known as one of the most prolific composers in history, with over 3,000 compositions. Telemann was largely self-taught and pursued music against his family’s wishes. He studied in Magdeburg, Zellerfeld, and Hildesheim, eventually attending the University of Leipzig to study law. However, he chose a career in music, becoming a musical director in several cities, including Hamburg. Telemann’s music blends French, Italian, and German styles, showcasing his versatility. He composed many sacred cantatas and instrumental works, influencing the transition from Baroque to Classical music. Despite personal struggles, including the deaths of his wives and financial difficulties, Telemann remained dedicated to his craft. His works were highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was compared to famous contemporaries like Bach and Handel. Today, Telemann’s music is celebrated for its richness and complexity, reflecting the diverse influences of his time. The Telemann Museum in Hamburg honours his legacy, ensuring his contributions to music are remembered.

12 March

March 12th: Thomas Augustine Arne

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 18th Century, Baroque, March, Rule Britannia!, Thomas Augustine Arne

Thomas Augustine Arne 12 March 1710 – 5 March 1778

Rule, Britannia!

Thomas Arne
By Robert Dunkarton/ After William Humphrey – npg.org.uk/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11252786

Thomas Augustine Arne was an English composer born in Covent Garden. He is best known for his patriotic song “Rule, Britannia!” and the nursery rhyme “A-Hunting We Will Go.” Arne was a leading figure in 18th-century British theatre, creating music for around 90 stage works, including operas, plays, and pantomimes. He was educated at Eton College and had a passion for music from a young age. Arne often practiced secretly at night, showing his dedication. His sister, Susannah, was a famous singer who performed in his works. Arne’s operas, such as “Artaxerxes,” were significant in the development of English opera. He introduced women’s voices into choruses and was one of the first composers to address copyright issues legally.

Throughout his life, Arne received support from influential patrons, including Frederick, Prince of Wales. He passed away on 5 March 1778 and is buried at St Paul’s in Covent Garden. Today, Arne is celebrated as one of Britain’s greatest theatrical composers, leaving a lasting legacy in music.

4 March

March 4th: Antonio Vivaldi

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy 17th Century, 18th Century, Antonio Vivaldi, Baroque, Cum Dederit, March, Nisi Dominus

Antonio Vivaldi 4 March 1678 – 28 July 1741

Nisi Dominus IV: Cum Dederit

Antonio Vivaldi
By Unidentified painter – (Old image: Taken from the en.wikipedia), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10678

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi was an Italian Baroque composer, virtuoso violinist, and opera impresario, known for shaping the solo concerto into a dominant musical form. His influence spread widely across Europe during his lifetime, inspiring many imitators and advancing orchestration, violin technique, and programmatic music. Born in Venice, Vivaldi was baptised immediately after birth, likely due to fragile health. He trained for the priesthood from age 15 and was ordained in 1703, earning the nickname “il Prete Rosso” (“the Red Priest”) for his red hair. Much of Vivaldi’s career centred on the Ospedale della Pietà, an institution that educated girls in music. He taught and composed extensively for its musicians. His breakthrough came with the concerto collection L’estro armonico, published in 1711. In the 1720s, he composed his most famous work: The Four Seasons, which depicts vivid seasonal scenes, each linked to a descriptive sonnet. Vivaldi died in poverty in 1741, but his music experienced a revival in the 20th century. Today, The Four Seasons remains one of the most performed Baroque works.

NPG 3970; George Frideric Handel by Thomas Hudson

23 February

February 23rd: George Frideric Handel

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany 18th Century, Baroque, February, George Frideric Handel, Sarabande

George Frideric Handel 23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759

III. Sarabande HWV 437

George Frideric Handel
By Thomas Hudson – National Portrait Gallery: NPG 3970, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35044605

George Frideric Handel was a German-born Baroque composer who settled in London in 1712 and became a naturalised British subject in 1727. He is celebrated for his Italian operas, English oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and organ concertos. Influenced by German choral traditions and the Italian Baroque, he helped shape “high Baroque” music, elevating Italian opera in England and establishing the English oratorio tradition. Major works still widely performed include Messiah, Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks, and the coronation anthem Zadok the Priest, used at every British coronation since 1727. Born in Halle, Handel received early training from organist Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, then worked in Hamburg’s opera scene. He travelled to Italy, where he gained acclaim and produced successful operas. After moving to London, he achieved major success with Rinaldo and became a leading figure in the city’s operatic life. Facing financial pressures in the 1730s, he shifted focus to English choral works, creating landmark oratorios such as Saul, Israel in Egypt, and Samson. In later life, he became blind.

19 February

February 19th: Luigi Boccherini

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy 18th Century, Classical, February, Luigi Boccherini, Minuet, String Quintet in E major

Luigi Boccherini 19 February 1743 – 28 May 1805

String Quintet in E major, Minuet Op. 11, No. 5

Luigi Boccherini
By Etienne Mazas – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b8415874z, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1236274

Ridolfo Luigi Boccherini was an Italian composer and cellist born in 1743. He is known for his unique contributions to the Classical era of music. Boccherini’s music features a courtly style, and he is best remembered for his String Quintet in E, Op. 11, No. 5, and the Cello Concerto in B flat major. His works often highlight the cello, elevating it from a supporting role to a prominent one. Boccherini was born into a musical family and began his studies at a young age. He moved to Madrid in 1768, where he gained royal patronage. However, he faced challenges, including the disapproval of King Charles III, which led to his dismissal. Despite hardships, Boccherini composed many famous pieces, including guitar quintets and string quartets. His style is characterised by charm and optimism, influenced by Spanish dance forms. Boccherini’s music remains significant, inspiring future composers and enriching the classical music tradition. His works have been catalogued, allowing musicians to explore his extensive contributions to chamber music and orchestral compositions.

12 February

February 12th: Jan Ladislav Dussek

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Czech Republic, Europe 18th Century, 19th Century, Classical, February, Jan Ladislav Dussek, Piano Concerto in E flat major, Romantic

Jan Ladislav Dussek 12 February 1760 – 20 March 1812

Piano Concerto in E flat major

Jan Ladislav Dussek
By Wilhelm Arndt – http://www.portraitindex.de/documents/obj/oai:baa.onb.at:9238512, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5155536

Jan Ladislav Dussek was a Czech composer and pianist known for his innovative keyboard music that foreshadowed the Romantic style. He became one of Europe’s first touring piano stars, performing from London to St Petersburg, gaining fame before Beethoven. Dussek was notable for his stage presence, often turning the piano side-on so audiences could see him, a practice that became standard.

Born in Čáslav into a musical family, he trained as a pianist, organist, and singer. After studying in Bohemia, he travelled across the Netherlands and Germany, and spent time in Russia as a favourite of Catherine the Great. He settled in London from 1789 to 1799, where he was a fashionable performer and teacher, collaborating with piano maker John Broadwood to develop larger instruments. After London, Dussek worked for Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, composing significant works like the F-sharp minor Elégie harmonique. In his final years, he returned to Paris, premiered new instruments, and continued composing until his death in 1812.

9 February

February 9th: Ferdinando Carulli

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy 18th Century, 19th Century, Classical, February, Ferdinando Carulli, Ouverture, Romantic

Ferdinando Carulli 9 February 1770 – 17 February 1841

Ouverture From The Method

Ferdinando Carulli
By After Anne-Louis Girodet de Roussy-Trioson – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b8416211p, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1185012

Ferdinando Maria Meinrado Francesco Pascale Rosario Carulli was an Italian composer born in Naples. He is best known for his influential work, Méthode complète pour guitare ou lyre, op. 27, published in 1810. This method is still used by guitar students today. Carulli composed over 400 works for classical guitar, including solos, chamber music, and concertos. He began his musical journey learning the cello from a local priest before discovering the guitar at age twenty. His performances in Naples gained popularity, leading to tours across Europe.

Carulli married Marie-Josephine Boyer around 1801 and later moved to Paris, the music capital of the world. There, he became a successful guitar teacher and self-publisher. He collaborated with luthier René Lacôte to invent the Decacorde, a 10-string guitar. Carulli died on 17 February 1841, leaving a lasting legacy in classical guitar music. His compositions continue to inspire musicians and are celebrated for their creativity and technical skill, making him a significant figure in music history.