Baldassare Galuppi was a prominent 18th-century Venetian composer, renowned for his keyboard sonatas and his pivotal role in developing the style galant—an influential musical movement that paved the way to Classical-era music. Born on October 18, 1706, in the Venetian Republic, his compositional talent emerged early, and he was mentored under the likes of Antonio Lotti, a distinguished composer of the Baroque era. Galuppi was not only revered for his instrumental works but also for his formidable contributions to operatic and sacred music. His career flourished with numerous appointments, including Maestro di Cappella positions in Venice and at the court of Catherine the Great in Russia.
Throughout his life, Galuppi's music was characterized by melodic inventiveness, elegant structures, and expressive harmonies which exemplify the transition from the ornate Baroque style to the more refined and accessible Classical period. His works for keyboard—particularly the sonatas—exhibit a mastery of form and a clear, articulate touch that was admired by his contemporaries and continues to captivate modern audiences. Although he composed in diverse genres, his keyboard sonatas are celebrated for their formal balance and artistic charm, as evidenced by the recent releases such as "Galuppi: 8 Keyboard Sonatas" and the ongoing "Galuppi Keyboard Project." His reputation as "Il Buranello" (a nickname referencing his birthplace, Burano) endures, affirming him as one of the luminaries of 18th-century Italian music. Galuppi passed away on January 3, 1785, leaving behind a rich legacy that still resonates in the repertoire of keyboard enthusiasts and classical connoisseurs alike.
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