Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

1687

Death

:

1749

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Opera

 

Johann Ernst Galliard was a German-born composer and musician who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in 1687 in Leipzig, Germany, and was the son of Johann Gottfried Galliard, a musician and composer. Johann Ernst Galliard showed an early interest in music and began his musical education at a young age. Galliard's father was his first music teacher, and he received further training from Johann Kuhnau, the cantor of the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. Kuhnau was a highly respected musician and composer, and his influence on Galliard's musical development was significant. In 1706, Galliard moved to London, where he quickly established himself as a prominent musician and composer. He became a member of the Royal Society of Musicians and was appointed as a composer to the court of Queen Anne. Galliard's music was well-received in London, and he became known for his skillful compositions and arrangements. One of Galliard's most significant works is his Concerto for Oboe and Strings in G minor. This piece is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque oboe music and is still performed today. Galliard's other notable works include his Sonata for Flute and Continuo in G major and his Concerto for Bassoon and Strings in B-flat major. Galliard was also a prolific composer of vocal music, including operas, cantatas, and oratorios. His oratorio, The Death of Abel, was particularly popular and was performed numerous times during his lifetime. In addition to his work as a composer, Galliard was also a skilled performer. He played the oboe, flute, and bassoon and was known for his virtuosic playing. Galliard's performances were highly sought after, and he often played for the royal court and other prominent figures in London. Galliard's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and his influence on the development of Baroque music was significant. His compositions were known for their intricate melodies and harmonies, and his use of counterpoint was particularly notable. Despite his success as a composer and performer, Galliard's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and two children to illness, and he himself suffered from poor health in his later years. Galliard died in 1749 at the age of 62. Today, Galliard's music is still performed and appreciated by classical music enthusiasts around the world. His contributions to the development of Baroque music are significant, and his legacy as a composer and musician continues to be celebrated.

More....