1. Antonio Vivaldi March 4, 1678 – July 28, 1741 Born in Venice, Italy Taught to play violin by his father Age 15; entered seminary Age 25; Ordained into Priesthood Il Prete Rosso (the Red Priest) Stopped practicing, due to health 1703: Began working as a music instructor at Devout Hospital of Mercy in Venice. Directed Orchestra of most talented musicians

2. Antonio Vivaldi March 4, 1678 – July 28, 1741 Known as Virtuoso violinist as well as teacher. Extreme talent aided in composition of Concerti Concerto- – ONE soloist accompanied by orchestra – Solo part is very technically demanding – First movement in Ritornello form Vivaldi composed 450+ Concerti. – Most for Violin, Cello, and Bassoon.

4. Sonata In general, a sonata is a solo instrument accompanied by piano. – For musical enjoyment rather then virtuosic display In Baroque Era, three main types of Sonatas: – Sonata de Chiesa: “Church Sonata” (Dignified) – Sonata de Camera: “Chamber Sonata”(Dance) – Trio Sonata: Three contributing harmonic lines: – 2 solo instruments – Basso Continuo – 4 PLAYERS TOTAL

5. George Frideric Handel (February 23,1685 – April 14,1759) Born in Germany Child prodigy, composed by age 11 Hamburg Opera- Age 18 Own operatic compositions produced by age 21. 1710:Traveled to England – Very successful (stayed 50 years) Began composing Oratorios

6. Oratorio Large-scale composition for Chorus, Vocal soloists and Orchestra Narrative, usually Biblical – Concert works, not for Worship (musical storytelling) Employ no costumes, staging, acting or scenery. Can last 2 hours+

7. The Messiah Composed in 3 parts, lasting ~2.5 hours total Scored for four soloists (SATB), chorus (SATB) and orchestra including oboe, trumpet and timpani Each part told a story of Christ’s life – Part 1 “Christmas”: The Prophecy of the coming Christ, and His birth. – Part 2 “Easter”: Christ’s suffering, crucifixion, and the spreading of His doctrine. – Part 3: The redemption of the world through faith in Christ.

8. Johann Sebastian Bach (March 21,1685 – July 28,1750) Born in Germany, to a musical family Received musical training from early age Organ virtuoso Held Court positions in various cities 1717: Named Kapellmeister at the Court of Prince – Traveled with Prince to purchase and inspect instruments Remarried to Anna Magdalena Wilcke, a courtsinger – Served as Bach’s copiest and dedicatee

9. Johann Sebastian Bach (March 21,1685 – July 28,1750) Not famous or recognized in his day While working for the Court he composed mostly instrumental compositions – Developed the genre of the Baroque Suite The Baroque Suite is a set of dances from different regions and of different styles..

10. The Baroque Suite Four fixed dance movements: – Allemande: Stately, German dance in a moderate tempo – Courante: A lively French dance in triple meter – Sarabande: A slow, Spanish dance, containing many sustained notes – Gigue: A fast English dance, originating from the ‘Jig’ Variants: – Overture or Prelude: Completely unrelated non-dance material played at the beginning of the Suite – Galanteries (Minuet, Bouree, or Gavotte): Composers would often chose one of these optional dances to insert before the Gigue

11. Johann Sebastian Bach (March 21,1685 – July 28,1750) After serving as Kappelmeister, Bach held the position of Music Director at Leipzig Responsible for music at Leipzig’s 4 principal (Lutheran) churches From this point, his music is predominately vocal and sacred Many Cantatas….

12. Cantata Sacred vocal work for the Lutheran church service – In vernacular – Luther stressed importance of music in the service Text used relates to the Scripture or message the that day’s sermon Many composed (new each week) For vocal soloists, choir, and small orchestra Short compared to oratorio, but similar in structure – Cantatas do not necessarily tell a story