((( VIOTTI )))

And yet another great composer

I have never heard of before

thanks again to Pandora One!!!

Giovanni Battista Viotti

May 12, 1755 - March 3, 1824

born in Fontanetto da Po, Italy, composed during the Classical period

Giovanni Battista Viotti (1755-1824) was an Italian violinist and composer, and one of the major figures in the advancement of modern violin performance. While he is remembered today for his 29 violin concertos, which proved to be his most original and enduring works, he was a celebrity in his day for his phenomenal playing. His intermittent career as a violinist took him from Versailles, where he joined the court of Marie Antoinette, to concerts in London. After failing at a wine business, Viotti turned to managing the Paris Opéra and taught several rising violinists, including Rodolphe Kreutzer. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi


MY COMMENT:

In a time where wearing 'powder puff' wigs was all the rage I find it interesting to consider that this great composer didn't care if the world knew he was balding. When I think about it, that says a real sincerity to me. It tells the story of man who wasn't ashamed of who he ACTUALLY was and that is very rare indeed!

My instinctive reaction was, "Why didn't he portray himself while wearing a wig? After all, it seems practically everyone was doing it back then".

Interesting fellow, this Viotti