Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Germany
J. S. Bach was born in Germany in 1685. Both of his parents died when he was very young, so he lived with his older brother, who was an organist. Bach was always very religious, and he was educated in languages and history along with music and composition. He became a church organist and began to compose music, some of which was performed at the church. He also studied temporarily under many famous organists of the time, and his reputation as an organist began to grow. When he was 22, he married his second cousin, Maria Barbara. They went on to have 7 children, including C. P. E. Bach, who became a famous classical composer. Meanwhile, Bach was temporarily imprisoned for breach of contract as a church musician, so he moved with his family and began writing instrumental music. His wife died, so he remarried and moved to Lepzig, where he continued to compose music. Over time, Bach began to experience serious eye problems, and he lost his vision. He died in 1750 of a stroke, but did not receive widespread recognition for his works until about 1830 when his music was rediscovered.
Most famous flute repertoire: 6 sonatas
George Friederich Handel (1685-1759) Germany, England
Handel was born in 1685 in Germany. His father did not want him to study music, so he taught himself how to play the organ and only took lessons for three years. When he was 17, after the death of his father, Handel moved to Hamburg and played the violin in an orchestra. He later moved to Italy and wrote operas. He then worked for the Hanover monarchy in Germany, then moved to England and continued writing opera and orchestra music. He also began writing oratorios, a new form of music that mixed church music and opera. He gradually lost his sight and became blind, so he was unable to compose, but he continued to play the organ and conduct. In 1759, Handel collapsed while conducting "Messiah" and died 8 days later. His work was very popular during his life and shortly after his death, but became less popular in the 1900s.
Most famous flute repertoire: flute concertos and sonatas
