8. Composers: This composer was noted for proficiency on one or more musical instruments, as well as his musical compositions. However, he is most famous for something he did not write, but rather a domestic issue. Who is he?
From Quiz "G" Whiz, it's the G Quiz!
Answer:
Don Carlo Gesualdo
Don Carlo Gesualdo was also known as Gesualdo da Venosa. He was of Venosa and Count of Conza, probably born in 1566. He was a master of the lute and also played harpsichord and guitar. While he wrote madrigals, music both sacred and profane, his place in history was sealed when he discovered his wife and her lover in, shall we say, a compromising position, and he proceeded to very brutally murder both of them. He then also murdered his son and possibly also his father-in-law. As a nobleman he could not be prosecuted. He died in 1613.
Francesco Geminiani was born in December 1687 in Lucca, Italy. He studied violin under such luminaries as A. Scarlatti and Corelli, and later authored the (apparently) definitive book on Baroque violin technique, "Art of Playing the Violin" (pub. London 1751). He is also known for his Concerti Grossi. He died in 1762. If he was famed for something other than his compositions and his instrumental skill, it remains unknown to me!
Johann Gottlieb Goldberg was born in Danzig in 1727. His instruments were the harpsichord and organ. He studied under both JS and WF Bach. His compositions include cantatas, sonatas, concertos, polonaises and chorale preludes. But probably his greatest claim to fame is that he is the Goldberg after whom Bach's "Goldberg Variations" were named - he was the harpsichordist who was talented enough to play them for Count Keyserlingk, who wanted something to help him overcome his insomnia!
Orlando Gibbons was born sometime in 1583 in Oxford, England. As a youth he sang in the choir of Kings College, Cambridge, then took his degree in music and became organist for the Chapel Royal and Westminster Abbey. He also wrote works for voice and keyboard, including anthems, madrigals and fantasias. He died in 1625 of apoplexy, while in Canterbury, and a monument was erected to him in Canterbury Cathedral.