I once assumed all music composers of the past spent their lives sitting at a piano or humming tunes while gazing into space or playing music. Bach was seriously serious. Brahms had a mustache and flowing beard. Paganini could play a tune using only one string of his violin.
But perhaps composers’ lives had more angst than I realized.
Brahms’ early life would make a good background for a tortured hero in a novel. Imagine a teenage boy beaten by his father for leaving the tavern and being forced to return to play piano until daylight.
Bach’s life could be worked in a bit—with him going away on business and arriving home to find his wife had passed away two months earlier. The regrets could haunt him for years.
The violinist Paganini’s escapades could be the background of another hero with showmanship, rock star status, an eye for the ladies, and deep desire to recognize his son.
The composer ‘O Carolan had spirit too. ‘O Carolan isn’t a household name in the USA, but this composer from the 1700’s time frame has a fascinating history. ‘O Carolan overcame obstacles with a rogue’s charm. On his deathbed he may have written a song for servant who brought him his last drink. If you’ve not heard of ‘O Carolan, check out the following website.
http://www.oldmusicproject.com/OCC.html
The above drawing of Brahms is from the German postage stamp in his honor. Source: Fotolia
But perhaps composers’ lives had more angst than I realized.
Brahms’ early life would make a good background for a tortured hero in a novel. Imagine a teenage boy beaten by his father for leaving the tavern and being forced to return to play piano until daylight.
Bach’s life could be worked in a bit—with him going away on business and arriving home to find his wife had passed away two months earlier. The regrets could haunt him for years.
The violinist Paganini’s escapades could be the background of another hero with showmanship, rock star status, an eye for the ladies, and deep desire to recognize his son.
The composer ‘O Carolan had spirit too. ‘O Carolan isn’t a household name in the USA, but this composer from the 1700’s time frame has a fascinating history. ‘O Carolan overcame obstacles with a rogue’s charm. On his deathbed he may have written a song for servant who brought him his last drink. If you’ve not heard of ‘O Carolan, check out the following website.
http://www.oldmusicproject.com/OCC.html
The above drawing of Brahms is from the German postage stamp in his honor. Source: Fotolia
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