Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)

Hildegard of Bingen was a German nun who established her own convent. In addition to writing poetry, she wrote books about religion and medicine and she composed music. Only 77 songs of hers remain after all these years. (From ClassicsforKids.com)

Listen to: O Frondes Virga (“O Blooming Branch”) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UflHEjPmhNQ Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany in 1685. As a child, Bach's father taught him to play violin and harpsichord. His uncles were all musicians, serving as church organists and court chamber musicians. One of his uncles, Johann Christoph Bach, introduced him to the art of organ playing.

In 1723, Bach became the cantor, organist, and music composer for St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Leipzig, Germany. Bach remained there for the rest of his life.

Johann Sebastian Bach died in 1750. Bach was not appreciated during his lifetime and was considered an "old-fashioned" composer. Today, Bach is considered to be one of the most influential composers of all time.

From www.classicsforkids.com/

Listen to: Jesus bleibet meine Freude (“Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”) www.youtube.com/watch?v=doJ2Fd6JRpQ

Clara Schumann (1819-1896)

Before she was even born, Clara Schumann's father had determined that she would be a star at the keyboard. Her father, Fredrich Wieck, was a piano teacher, and he saw to it that she studied music, performed and composed - all at an early age. Clara toured all over Europe, wowing audiences with her playing, and her compositions.

Clara fell in love with Robert Schumann, and they became one of the greatest musical partnerships of all time. She gave the first performance of many of his pieces, including his piano concerto and was a tremendous influence on his music. She also premiered works by Chopin and Brahms. Even though she gave birth to eight children, and had great family responsibilities, Robert encouraged her compose. When Robert got sick, and after his early death, Clara supported her family by giving concerts and teaching. She continued to perform into her 70's.

From www.classicsforkids.com/

Listen to: Piano Concerto in A Minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsP

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Antonio Vivaldi 1678-1741

Antonio Vivaldi was born in Venice, Italy, which is where he spent most of his life. His father taught him to play the violin, and the two would often perform together.

Antonio continued to study and practice the violin, even after he became a priest. After that, Vivaldi spent all his time writing music and teaching. He taught at an orphanage for girls, and wrote a lot of music for the girls to play. People came from miles around to hear Vivaldi's talented students perform the beautiful music he had written.

Many people think Vivaldi was the best Italian composer of his time. He wrote concertos, operas, church music and many other compositions. In all, Antonio wrote over 500 concertos. His most famous set of concertos is The Four Seasons.

From www.classicsforkids.com/

Listen to: “Spring” from The Four Seasons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFWQg xXM_b8