Harpsichord Enthusiast
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Harpsichordist: Trevor Pinnock
Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany in 1685 and is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. Having a prestigious musical lineage, Young Bach was taught how to play the violin by his father, Johann Ambrosius, who worked as a town musician (Biography.com Editors, 2020). Sadly, Bach became an orphan at the age of 10 when both his mother and father died (Biography.com Editors, 2020). He was taken in by his older brother Johann Christoff, a church organist (Biography.com Editors, 2020). Later in life, Bach's talent awarded him many opportunity's to work for royalty; the post of organist in the court of Duke Wilhelm Ernst in Weimar where composed many church cantatas and some of his finest pieces for the organ, and a position with Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen in 1717 (Biography.com Editors, 2020). However, Prince Leopold dissolved his orchestra in 1723, leading Bach to procure a position as organist and teacher of St. Thomas Church (Biography.com Editors, 2020). By 1740, Bach was struggling with poor eyesight, but continued to work despite his condition (Biography.com Editors, 2020). He even traveled and performed, visiting Frederick the Great, the king of Prussia in 1747 (Biography.com Editors, 2020). In 1750, Bach underwent surgery to fix his eyesight, but the operation was a failure, leaving him completely blind (Biography.com, 2020). He suffered a stroke later that year and died in Leipzig on July 28, 1750 (Biography.com Editors, 2020).
References
Biography.com Editors. (2020). Johann Sebastian Bach. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/musician/johann-sebastian-bach
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Harpsichordist: Trevor Pinnock
Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany in 1685 and is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. Having a prestigious musical lineage, Young Bach was taught how to play the violin by his father, Johann Ambrosius, who worked as a town musician (Biography.com Editors, 2020). Sadly, Bach became an orphan at the age of 10 when both his mother and father died (Biography.com Editors, 2020). He was taken in by his older brother Johann Christoff, a church organist (Biography.com Editors, 2020). Later in life, Bach's talent awarded him many opportunity's to work for royalty; the post of organist in the court of Duke Wilhelm Ernst in Weimar where composed many church cantatas and some of his finest pieces for the organ, and a position with Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen in 1717 (Biography.com Editors, 2020). However, Prince Leopold dissolved his orchestra in 1723, leading Bach to procure a position as organist and teacher of St. Thomas Church (Biography.com Editors, 2020). By 1740, Bach was struggling with poor eyesight, but continued to work despite his condition (Biography.com Editors, 2020). He even traveled and performed, visiting Frederick the Great, the king of Prussia in 1747 (Biography.com Editors, 2020). In 1750, Bach underwent surgery to fix his eyesight, but the operation was a failure, leaving him completely blind (Biography.com, 2020). He suffered a stroke later that year and died in Leipzig on July 28, 1750 (Biography.com Editors, 2020).
References
Biography.com Editors. (2020). Johann Sebastian Bach. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/musician/johann-sebastian-bach
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Harpsichordist: Trevor Pinnock
Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany in 1685 and is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. Having a prestigious musical lineage, Young Bach was taught how to play the violin by his father, Johann Ambrosius, who worked as a town musician (Biography.com Editors, 2020). Sadly, Bach became an orphan at the age of 10 when both his mother and father died (Biography.com Editors, 2020). He was taken in by his older brother Johann Christoff, a church organist (Biography.com Editors, 2020). Later in life, Bach's talent awarded him many opportunity's to work for royalty; the post of organist in the court of Duke Wilhelm Ernst in Weimar where composed many church cantatas and some of his finest pieces for the organ, and a position with Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen in 1717 (Biography.com Editors, 2020). However, Prince Leopold dissolved his orchestra in 1723, leading Bach to procure a position as organist and teacher of St. Thomas Church (Biography.com Editors, 2020). By 1740, Bach was struggling with poor eyesight, but continued to work despite his condition (Biography.com Editors, 2020). He even traveled and performed, visiting Frederick the Great, the king of Prussia in 1747 (Biography.com Editors, 2020). In 1750, Bach underwent surgery to fix his eyesight, but the operation was a failure, leaving him completely blind (Biography.com, 2020). He suffered a stroke later that year and died in Leipzig on July 28, 1750 (Biography.com Editors, 2020).
References
Biography.com Editors. (2020). Johann Sebastian Bach. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/musician/johann-sebastian-bach
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-1791)
Harpsichordist: Alessandro Simonetto
Little is known of Pietro Domenico Paradies. I could not find any portrait paintings of him, indeed, even his name is not entirely agreed upon: Paradies is often used by contemporary sources instead of Paradisi, indicating that the latter may be a more modern adaption (Viner, 2020). Paradies was likely born in or near Naples, Italy, where he composed primarily for the theater (Viner, 2020). He was most probably a student of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) (Viner, 2020). In 1746 he moved to London where he became a teacher of the harpsichord and voice (Viner, 2020). Paradies's reputation rests on twelve harpsichord sonatas that were published in 1754 by the London Publisher, John Johnson (Viner, 2020). Paradies dedicated the sonatas to either Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1719-1772) or her daughter, Princess Augusta of Great Britain (1737-1813); though it was likely dedicated to the former due to her seniority (Viner, 2020). Paradies's Sonatas for harpsichord are easily some of my favorite pieces for the instrument. Though not as complex as more famous works from other composers of the time period, they are quite easy on the ears. I am of the opinion that the artistic simplicity of some musical pieces can outperform the most intricate works. I hope you enjoy this recording.
References
Viner, M. (2020). "Pietro Domenico Paradies Complete Sonatas for Harpsichord." [CD linear notes]. Brilliant Classics.
Composer: Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805)
Orchestra: Accademia I Filarmonici
Luigi Boccherini, in full Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini, was an Italian composer and virtuoso cellist from the 18th century (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2021). He was mainly a composer of chamber music, although his symphonies and concerti have considerable merit (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2021). Boccherini's compositions were first published when he was 17 years of age. After the death of his father in 1766, Boccherini left for Paris where several of his compositions were published by Grangé, Venier, and Chevardière (The Editors of Encyclopaedia of Britannica, 2021). Supposedly, a Spanish ambassador to Paris convinced Boccherini to move to Madrid, likely sometime between 1768 to 1769, where he joined the royal court of Charles the III (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2021). Sadly, Boccherini's last few years were ridden with personal loss: in 1802 his two daughters passed away, and in 1804 his second wide and third daughter died (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2021). This likely exasperated Boccherini's already poor health and led to his death in 1805. Luigi Boccherini was a brilliant composer who's major significance and influence to music is now largely overlooked.
References
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, May 24). Luigi Boccherini. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Luigi-Boccherini
Composer: Padre Antonio Soler (1729-1783)
Harpsichordist: Pieter-Jan Belder
Father Antonio Soler was a priest and monk of the Roman Catholic church, and a renown Organist and Harpsichordist in the late 18th century Spain (Lundgren, n.d.). Soler was an avid learner; he may even have studied under Domenico Scarlatti (Lundgren, n.d.). I find that Father Antonio Soler's harpsichord solos are greatly underrated: possibly being some of the finest pieces composed for the instrument. This is one of my favorite pieces from Padre Soler. I hope that you enjoy this recording as much as I do.
References
B. Lundgren. (n.d.). Artist Biography by Bruce Lundgren. AllMusic, Netaktion LLC. Retrieved from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/antonio-soler-mn0001387442/biography
Composer: Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805)
Orchestra: Accademia I Filarmonici
Luigi Boccherini, in full Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini, was an Italian composer and virtuoso cellist from the 18th century (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2021). He was mainly a composer of chamber music, although his symphonies and concerti have considerable merit (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2021). Boccherini's compositions were first published when he was 17 years of age. After the death of his father in 1766, Boccherini left for Paris where several of his compositions were published by Grangé, Venier, and Chevardière (The Editors of Encyclopaedia of Britannica, 2021). Supposedly, a Spanish ambassador to Paris convinced Boccherini to move to Madrid, likely sometime between 1768 to 1769, where he joined the royal court of Charles the III (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2021). Sadly, Boccherini's last few years were ridden with personal loss: in 1802 his two daughters passed away, and in 1804 his second wide and third daughter died (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2021). This likely exasperated Boccherini's already poor health and led to his death in 1805. Luigi Boccherini was a brilliant composer who's major significance and influence to music is now largely overlooked.
References
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, May 24). Luigi Boccherini. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Luigi-Boccherini
Composer: Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Harpsichordist: Pieter-Jan Belder
Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian Composer that is highly regarded for his 555 keyboard sonatas, which greatly expanded the technical and musical possibilities of the harpsichord (Kirkpatrick, 2020). The son of Alessandro Scarlatti, the renowned Neapolitan opera composer, Domenico Scarlatti took over his father's position in Rome as musical director and composer to queen Maria Casimira of Poland (Kirkpatrick, 2020). In 1719 Scarlatti left Rome and travelled to Lisban, where he became musical director to King John V of Portugal, as well as music master to the King's younger brother and to Princess Maria Barbara de Braganca, who became his patroness and for whom most Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas were later written (Kirkpatrick, 2020). When his pupil Maria Barbara married the Spanish Crown prince in 1728, Scarlatti followed the royal pair to Spain, where he was to spend his remaining years (Kirkpatrick, 2020). Domenico Scarlatti's work has revealed one of the most original and complex styles of the 18th century.
References
Kirkpatrick, R. (2020, October 22). Domenico Scarlatti. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Domenico-Scarlatti
Composer: Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Harpsichordist: Elaine Comparone
Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian Composer that is highly regarded for his 555 keyboard sonatas, which greatly expanded the technical and musical possibilities of the harpsichord (Kirkpatrick, 2020). The son of Alessandro Scarlatti, the renowned Neapolitan opera composer, Domenico Scarlatti took over his father's position in Rome as musical director and composer to queen Maria Casimira of Poland (Kirkpatrick, 2020). In 1719 Scarlatti left Rome and travelled to Lisban, where he became musical director to King John V of Portugal, as well as music master to the King's younger brother and to Princess Maria Barbara de Braganca, who became his patroness and for whom most Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas were later written (Kirkpatrick, 2020). When his pupil Maria Barbara married the Spanish Crown prince in 1728, Scarlatti followed the royal pair to Spain, where he was to spend his remaining years (Kirkpatrick, 2020). Domenico Scarlatti's work has revealed one of the most original and complex styles of the 18th century.
References
Kirkpatrick, R. (2020, October 22). Domenico Scarlatti. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Domenico-Scarlatti
Composer: Johann Adolph Scheibe (1708-1776)
Organist: Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen
Johann Adolph Scheibe's genius has been overshadowed by his infamous criticism of Johan Sebastion Bach. Scheibe utilizes moving, albeit, simple melodies that are easy on the ears. Unfortunately, most of his music was destroyed in 1796, when a fire engulfed the royal castle and the music collection of the Royal Chapel (Det Kgl. Bibliotek, n.d.). I hope that you enjoy this recording of one of Scheibe's Sonatas for Organ
References
Det Kgl. Bibliotek. (n.d.). J.A. Scheibe: Passion Cantata. Retrieved from http://www5.kb.dk/en/nb/dcm/udgivelser/scheibe/index.html
Composer: Johann Adolph Scheibe (1708-1776)
Organist: Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen
Johann Adolph Scheibe's genius has been overshadowed by his infamous criticism of Johan Sebastion Bach. Scheibe utilizes moving, albeit, simple melodies that are easy on the ears. Unfortunately, most of his music was destroyed in 1796, when a fire engulfed the royal castle and the music collection of the Royal Chapel (Det Kgl. Bibliotek, n.d.). I hope that you enjoy this recording of one of Scheibe's Sonatas for Organ
References
Det Kgl. Bibliotek. (n.d.). J.A. Scheibe: Passion Cantata. Retrieved from http://www5.kb.dk/en/nb/dcm/udgivelser/scheibe/index.html
Composer: Johann Adolph Scheibe (1708-1776)
Organist: Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen
Johann Adolph Scheibe's genius has been overshadowed by his infamous criticism of Johan Sebastion Bach. Scheibe utilizes moving, albeit, simple melodies that are easy on the ears. Unfortunately, most of his music was destroyed in 1796, when a fire engulfed the royal castle and the music collection of the Royal Chapel (Det Kgl. Bibliotek, n.d.). I hope that you enjoy this recording of one of Scheibe's Sonatas for Organ
References
Det Kgl. Bibliotek. (n.d.). J.A. Scheibe: Passion Cantata. Retrieved from http://www5.kb.dk/en/nb/dcm/udgivelser/scheibe/index.html
Composer: Johann Adolph Scheibe (1708-1776)
Organist: Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen
Johann Adolph Scheibe's genius has been overshadowed by his infamous criticism of Johan Sebastion Bach. Scheibe utilizes moving, albeit, simple melodies that are easy on the ears. Unfortunately, most of his music was destroyed in 1796, when a fire engulfed the royal castle and the music collection of the Royal Chapel (Det Kgl. Bibliotek, n.d.). I hope that you enjoy this recording of one of Scheibe's Sonatas for Organ
References
Det Kgl. Bibliotek. (n.d.). J.A. Scheibe: Passion Cantata. Retrieved from http://www5.kb.dk/en/nb/dcm/udgivelser/scheibe/index.html
Composer: Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Harpsichordist: Elaine Comparone
Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian Composer that is highly regarded for his 555 keyboard sonatas, which greatly expanded the technical and musical possibilities of the harpsichord (Kirkpatrick, 2020). The son of Alessandro Scarlatti, the renowned Neapolitan opera composer, Domenico Scarlatti took over his father's position in Rome as musical director and composer to queen Maria Casimira of Poland (Kirkpatrick, 2020). In 1719 Scarlatti left Rome and travelled to Lisban, where he became musical director to King John V of Portugal, as well as music master to the King's younger brother and to Princess Maria Barbara de Braganca, who became his patroness and for whom most Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas were later written (Kirkpatrick, 2020). When his pupil, Maria Barbara married the Spanish Crown prince in 1728, Scarlatti followed the royal pair to Spain, where he was to spend his remaining years (Kirkpatrick, 2020). Domenico Scarlatti's work has revealed one of the most original and complex styles of the 18th century.
References
Kirkpatrick, R. (2020, October 22). Domenico Scarlatti. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Domenico-Scarlatti
This channel is dedicated to classical works, many of which I own on CD or vinyl record, that I wish to share with others; specifically, harpsichord solos and baroque music. The harpsichord is often dismissed as a historically important, but now obsolete instrument. However, it deserves far more recognition than that. The harpsichord produces a sound that is distinct and refined; there are a plethora of works that preform better on the harpsichord than on a modern piano. I hope that the historical pieces I share on this website will evoke the same appreciation for this instrument in others.
