Johann Ernst Galliard

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Johann Ernst Galliard (1687 – 1749) was a German composer.

Galliard was born in Zelle to a French wig-maker. His first composition formation began at age 15. Galliard studied composition under Farinelli, the director of music at the Court of Hanover, and Abbate Steffani. In addition to his composition ability, he was also a capable oboe and recorder player. Galliard made a step forward in his musical career when he performed one of his original compositions. This Sonata for oboe and two bassoons debuted at one Farinelli’s concerts. Galliard earned an esteemed seat in the chamber music of George. Prince of Denmark. Later, he moved to England where he would become the next chapel-master of the Somerset-House. Galliard became a familiar face in high society due to his proximity to and frequenting of the royal residence. In response to war victories, Galliard composed Te Deum, Jubilate, and three additional anthems.

Bigger and better things seemed promising following his participation in the founding of the Academy of Ancient Music. However, in the scrap for kingdom wide directorial status, Galliard fell short to greats such as Handel and Bononcini. He wrote the music to Clypso and Tlemachus (From Sibley Music Library Digital Scores Collection) upon the request of a friend, the poet John Hughes. Despite approval from his peers, the show was a failure. As a result, he was refocused on his oboe performance. He joined Handel’s Italian Opera in 1713 as an oboe soloist. Galliard composed several more cantatas to texts by Hughes and Congreve. He published an opera, music to the Morning Hymn of Adam and Eve taken form Milton’s Paradise Lost, and a large number of pantomimes which he turned out under contract to Rich, the enterprising manager of the Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields Theatre. His published instrumental music includes the following: “Six Sonatas for a Flute and a Thorough Bass,” “Six Solos for the Violoncello,” and “Six Sonatas for the Bassoon or Violoncello with a Thorough Bass for the Harpsichord.” (From Sibley Music Library Digital Scores Collection)

[edit] References

• 6 sonatas for Bassoon or Cello and piano vol. 1 published by: McGinnis & Marx, 201 West 86 Street, New York, New York 10024 1946. Copyright 1946, 1974 by Josef Marx.