Baroque

8 June

June 8th: Tomaso Albinoni

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy 18th Century, Adagio in G minor, Baroque, June, Tomaso Albinoni

Tomaso Albinoni 8 June 1671 – 17 January 1751

Adagio in G minor Arranged by Remo Giazotto

Tomaso Albinoni
By anonymous – Unknown source, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61401

Tomaso Albinoni was an Italian composer born on 8 June 1671 in Venice. He is best known for his beautiful instrumental music, especially his concertos and sonatas. Albinoni came from a wealthy family, which allowed him to compose music freely without financial worries. Although he claimed to be a dilettante, his skills were evident as he published nine collections of instrumental works, featuring violin, oboe, and strings. His music was loved across Europe, and even famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach admired his themes. Albinoni played a key role in developing the solo concerto and trio sonata, creating some of the first concertos for the oboe. While many of his operas are lost, his instrumental music remains popular. The piece most commonly associated with his name today, the Adagio in G minor, is believed to have been assembled by 20th-century musicologist Remo Giazotto based on a fragment of a manuscript attributed to Albinoni. Albinoni passed away on 17 January 1751, but his graceful melodies still enchant listeners today.

2 May

May 2nd: Alessandro Scarlatti

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy 17th Century, 18th Century, Alessandro Scarlatti, Baroque, May, Toccata for harpsichord in G minor

Alessandro Scarlatti 2 May 1660 – 22 October 1725

Toccata for harpsichord in G minor

Alessandro Scarlatti
By Unidentified painter – Unknown source, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=120450

Alessandro Scarlatti was a renowned Italian composer born in 1660 in Palermo, Sicily. He is best known for his operas and sacred music, playing a significant role in the development of the Baroque style of music. Scarlatti created over 100 operas, many of which were performed in Naples, where he spent a large part of his life. His use of melodies and harmonies was groundbreaking, influencing many composers who followed him.

In addition to his operatic works, Scarlatti composed numerous cantatas, which are short vocal pieces often accompanied by instruments. He also made significant contributions to the development of the sonata and keyboard music, helping to shape the future of European classical music. Scarlatti’s music is characterised by its emotional depth and technical brilliance.

He passed away in 1725, but his legacy lives on. Today, many musicians still perform his works, and he is celebrated for his ability to blend drama and melody, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

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.

24 March

March 24th: Samuel Scheidt

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany 16th Century, 17th Century, Baroque, Battle Suite, March, Samuel Scheidt

Samuel Scheidt Baptised 3 November 1587 – 24 March 1654

Battle Suite

Samuel Scheidt
By Ioach. Caesar – http://www.mitteldeutsche-barockmusik.de/mibamu-wAssets/img/S_Scheidt_Portrait.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=279757

Samuel Scheidt was a German composer, organist and teacher of the early Baroque era. Scheidt was born in Halle and studied in Amsterdam under Sweelinck, a notable Dutch composer. After returning to Halle, he became court organist and later Kapellmeister for the Margrave of Brandenburg. During the Thirty Years’ War, he stayed in Germany, surviving by teaching and taking smaller jobs. In 1628, he became the musical director of three churches in Halle, including the Market Church. Scheidt was the first significant German composer for the organ, developing a unique north German style influenced by the Protestant Reformation. His music includes instrumental works, primarily for organ, and sacred vocal music, some a cappella and others with accompaniment. He often employed a “patterned variation” technique in his chorale preludes, creating increasingly elaborate variations. His complete works are published in 16 volumes, and many collections feature his chorale preludes, showcasing his lasting impact on music.

22 March

March 22nd: Jean-Baptiste Lully

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, France 17th Century, Baroque, Jean-Baptiste Lully, March, Miserere

Jean-Baptiste Lully 28 or 29 November [O.S. * 18 or 19 November] 1632 – 22 March 1687

Miserere

Jean-Baptiste Lully
By Paul Mignard – http://www.photo.rmn.fr/archive/17-510739-2C6NU0ATWZKF7.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13254553

Jean-Baptiste Lully, born Giovanni Battista Lulli, was an Italian-French composer, dancer, and instrumentalist, celebrated as a master of French Baroque music. He was born on November 28 or 29, 1632, in Florence. Lully became a French subject in 1661 and worked at the court of Louis XIV. He was a close friend of playwright Molière, collaborating on many comédie-ballets, including his famous work, Le Bourgeois gentilhomme. Lully’s music is known for its lively rhythms and emotional depth, reflecting the characteristics of Baroque music. He introduced new dance forms and combined theatre with music, creating a unique genre. His operas, such as Armide, showcased his innovative style and contributed significantly to the development of French opera. Lully’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the future of orchestral music. He died on March 22, 1687, from gangrene after an accident during a performance. Lully’s legacy continues to be celebrated, as he is remembered for his contributions to music and the arts in the royal court of France.

*Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) indicate dating systems before and after a calendar change, respectively. Usually, they refer to the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar as enacted in various European countries between 1582 and 1923.

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.