Happy birthday, Antonio Vivaldi!

Antonio Vivaldi, born March 4, 1678 in Venice, Italy, was one of the most beloved and greatest Baroque composers ever. He was also a virtuoso violinist. He composed over fifty operas and The Four Seasons, considered his most famous work. 

Vivaldi wrote more than 500 concertos.  

My favorite is his Gloria in D, which I've had the honor to perform.

Vivaldi passed away in July 1741.

George Frederick Handel born 1685

George Frederick Handel, born February 23, 1685, is probably best known for his magnificent composition The Messiah. He composed operas, oratorios, and organ concertos during the Baroque Era.  Born in the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach, the two composers never met, although Bach tried.  

He is considered to be one of the greatest composers of his age, and I think of all time!  He enjoyed major success with The Messiah which he composed in 1742 and premiered in Dublin on April 13. 

Handel passed away in April 1759 in London, England.  He was given a state funeral at Westminster Abbey.

Johann Sebastian Bach born 1685

Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers of music in any era, was born March 21 (or March 31, depending upon which calendar you're referencing), 1685 in Eisenach in present-day Germany. 

He wrote so many pieces of music it's difficult to condense his life into a few sentences.  He passed away in 1750.

Here is one of my most favorite pieces of music of all time.