Aside from the Canon in D, what do you know about Pachelbel? He was a predecessor to Bach, taught one of J.S. Bach's older brothers, was essential to the development of the chorale prelude, and had a son who emigrated to the US!
Thomas Arne
Meet Thomas Arne! Composer (primarily for theater) and brother to famous singer Susannah (Arne) Cibber!
Jeremiah Clarke
You know that trumpet thing that gets played at weddings? No, not that one. The other one. Here's who actually wrote it! ... and as a spoiler alert, he met with a dramatic end by his own hand.
Count von Sporck
In writing program notes for next weekend's concert with The Bach Project, I came across this important figure who may or may not have been the intended recipient of Bach's four "Lutheran Masses"! Meet Count Frantisek Antonin von Sporck!
Harriett Abrams
Meet Harriett Abrams! She studied with Thomas Arne, who composed an opera specifically for her. She participated in festivals of Handel's music, and Haydn accompanied her on the piano! She also composed her own pieces, and appeared in concerts organized by Johann Peter Salomon.
Sara Levy
It's the time of year when questions about Bach and anti-semitism (rightfully) swirl and answers are in short supply. By way of adding to the chaos, meet Sara Levy - a Jewish harpsichordist who studied with one of Bach's sons, was great-aunt to Felix Mendelssohn, and was instrumental in ensuring the legacy of the Bach family.
The Weird Music of Anton Reicha
Friend of Beethoven, teacher of Berlioz and Liszt, and composer of seriously cool (and weird) etudes! Meet Anton Reicha!
Charles Burney
Meet Charles Burney! Though he was a musician in his own right, he is better known now for his writings and affiliations with other composers of his day!
John Beard
If I haven't been asleep yet, Monday isn't over, right? This tenor premiered roles for Handel and Thomas Arne, and was part of the first performance of a piece that would become the British National Anthem. Meet John Beard!
Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy
Usually I give some teaser before I introduce a person, but this one surprised me entirely - how did I make it all this time without learning about her? And why have I never heard something she's composed? Read, learn, listen, and program!