John Stanley

Classical Music Datebook: January 17

Composer and Organist John Stanley

Blind English organist and composer John Stanley, was born on January 17, 1713, in London.

John Stanley was blind from an early age. He studied music with Maurice Greene and held a number of organist appointments in London. He was a friend of George Frideric Handel. Following Handel's death, Stanley joined first with John Christopher Smith and later with Thomas Linley to continue the series of oratorio concerts Handel had established.

In 1779, Stanley succeeded William Boyce as Master of the King's Musick.

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach

Classical Music / Composers Datebook: November 22

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (Nov 22, 1710 – July 1, 1784), German composer and organist,  was the second child and eldest son of Johann Sebastian (JS) Bach. He is considered the most gifted son by common reputation.

Early Life of Wilhelm F. Bach 

Born in Weimar and educated at Leipzig, he was appointed in 1733 organist of St. Sophia's Church at Dresden. In 1746, he became organist of the Liebfrauenkirche at Halle. His  father's influence was enough to secure him the latter position without the usual trial performance.

His father, JS Bach, was the stabilizing factor in his life, and when his father died in 1750, he lived an unhappy life in Halle, from which he frequently traveled to seek other employment.