Born in Lochovitz [now Lochovice], western Bohemia, March 2, 1748
Died in Donaueschingen, July 31, 18161
Nationality: Bohemian
Born in Erasbach, nr Berching, Upper Palatinate, July 2, 1714
Died in Vienna, Nov 15, 1787
- Gluck was a major figure in early classical opera, composing works in Italian and French and helping forge a more natural expression in the genre after the dominance of Baroque opera seria.
- Fun fact: Gluck ran away from home when he was 13 or 14 because he wanted to be a musician but his father wanted him to follow in his footsteps and become a forester. Gluck later claimed that he ran away to Prague and made a living by singing and playing a jaw harp.1
Born Jan Křtitel Václav Kalivoda
Born in Prague, Feb 21, 1801
Died in Karlsruhe, Dec 3, 1866
- Kalliwoda was a Bohemian violin virtuoso and conductor active in Germany.
- Kalliwoda was Kapellmeister to the court of Prince Egon II von Fürstenburg at Donaueschingen, where he served the musical life of the entire town, directing the opera, orchestra, and cathedral music, and arranging for guest artists like Franz Liszt, Clara Schumann and Robert Schumann to play at court.1