October Composers: Some of My Favorites, Part 2

And now for more of my favorite composers born in October, Part 2:

Domenico Scarlatti (10/26/1685). Italian Baroque composer, son of Alessandro Scarlatti. Known mainly for his 555 keyboard sonatas. Sonata in E major, K381

Franz Liszt (10/22/1811) – Composer, piano virtuoso, inventor of the symphonic poem. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

Thomas Weelkes (10/25/1576). English composer and organist, known for his madrigals and church music. Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above

Georges Bizet (10/25/1838). French composer who experienced few successes before his final work, Carmen, in 1875. Bizet died prematurely at the age of 36 following poor health. Toreador song from Carmen

Johann Strauss, Jr. (10/25/1825). Known as the Viennese Waltz King, he is the composer of The Blue Danube, and the operetta Die Fledermaus (“The Bat”).

Howard Hansen (10/28/1896) Composer, conductor, educator, music theorist, Director of the Eastman School of Music for 40 years. Symphony No. 2, Op. 30 ("Romantic")