December 14th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany Bach, December, Solfeggio in C minor, Sonata in G minor

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach 8 March 1714 – 14 December 1788

Solfeggio in C minor H 220

Sonata in G minor H.542.5 (BWV 1020)

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
By Franz Conrad Löhr / After Johann Philipp Bach – http://www.bpk-images.de/?18671877727020631900&MEDIANUMBER=00092233, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44147555

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, born on 8 March 1714, was a German composer whose music helped bridge the Baroque and Classical eras. He was the second surviving son of the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach. C. P. E. Bach became known for his sensitive style, which showcased emotional expression that contrasted with the rigid forms of Baroque music. His contributions to keyboard music were particularly influential, inspiring composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

After studying law at university, Bach turned to music, working initially in Berlin under Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia. Bach spent many significant years there, composing numerous sonatas and concertos. He later moved to Hamburg, where he became the Kapellmeister and focused on choral works. His music for the keyboard remains popular, with compositions such as “Solfeggietto” capturing listeners’ hearts.

26 October

October 26th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy October, Scarlatti, Sonata in G minor

Domenico Scarlatti 26 October 1685 – 23 July 1757

Sonata in G minor K4

Domenico Scarlatti
By Domingo Antonio Velasco – http://intoclassics.net/_nw/305/77701004.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23760364

Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian composer born on 26 October 1685 in Naples. He is best known for his 555 keyboard sonatas, pieces that have influenced many composers throughout history. Scarlatti’s music is classified primarily as Baroque, though it also contributed to the development of the Classical style. He spent a significant part of his career serving the Portuguese and Spanish royal families.

Scarlatti was the sixth of ten children in a musical family, studying under his father, Alessandro Scarlatti. He later worked in the Chapel Royal of Naples and composed operas for Queen Marie Casimire in Rome. His sonatas, written mainly for the harpsichord, exhibit a variety of styles and moods, reflecting his ability to blend different musical influences.

Scarlatti moved to Madrid in 1733, where he continued to compose until his death on 23 July 1757. His unique contributions to keyboard music remain celebrated, and he is regarded as a significant figure in the music world.