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!
Robert Fayrfax
This musician was a major influence on Tallis and Taverner, served both Henry VII and Henry VIII, and in 1520 led the Chapel Royal in the state visit to France known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Also, Eton Choirbook composer! Meet Robert Fayrfax!
Test your composer knowledge
What a fun way to test your knowledge of composers! Some early, some not, but all worth knowing/programming! Take the 10-question test here!
Johann Peter Salomon
This tremendous violinist, composer, and conductor was
- born in Bonn (in the same house as Beethoven)
- introduced symphonies by Haydn and Mozart to London
- may have had a hand in the libretto for Haydn's "Creation"
- was regarded by all as kind, generous, and a sensitive performer
- and he was Jewish!
Meet Johann Peter Salomon!
Dédé's "Morgiane"
It's admittedly a stretch calling this "Early Music", but it's too exciting (and too important) to not share! Bringing Morgiane Back to Life
Sulpitia Cesis
While reading about music in convents in Italy I came across someone new! Meet Sulpitia Cesis!