Several classical composers started their lives at the beginning of a year: January. As a good first example is one of Tomoko’s favorite harpsichord and fortepiano composers: Mozart, who was born on January 27, 1756 in Vienna. Here are some more famous January piano composers.
Franz Schubert was born on January 31, 1797, in Himmelpfortgrund,
Austria. Although he died early, at age 31, Schubert composed more than 600
secular vocal works and with many piano pieces. Tomoko performed one of his famous
works: Trout Quintet.
Giovani Battista Draghi was born on January 4, 1710, om Jesi,
Italy. He too died early: at age 26, from tuberculosis. Nevertheless, he is
considered one of the greatest composers of the early 18th century. Known
for his Baroque pieces, the most famous is his Stabat Mater. Draghi was also
an accomplished organist.
Alexander Scriabin was born on January 6, 1872, in Moscow.
He was largely influenced by Chopin and is associated with late Romanticism and
Russian symbolism. In turn, he influenced Stravinsky and Prokofiev. During his
life, Scriabin was known as a controversial professional pianist besides being
a composer. Scriabin’s ten sonatas for piano have become increasingly acclaimed.
Francis Poulenc was born on January 7, 1899, in Paris. Among
his compositions were solo piano works, the most famous one being the Trois Mouvements
Perpetuels suite. His Organ Concerto is also well known. Under Satie’s
mentorship, Poulenc was part of Les Six: six young neoclassic composers. He
started playing the piano at age six, and was influenced by Schubert and
Stravinsky.
Frederick Delius was born on January 29, 1862, in Bradford,
England. While he taught violin, he took more delight in improvising on the
piano. Like Scriabin, Delius was first influenced by Chopin. While he lived in
Florida to manage his family’s orange plantation, he began composing, having
been influence by African-American music there. He was not successful in agriculture
but he was promoted by several conductors. The Delius Society continues to
promote him, and sponsors an annual Delius Prize competition for young musicians.
