The “official” baroque era was 1600-1750. To put that into some context, George Washington was born in 1732, Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743, and Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706. They were all born during the baroque era! We know these men primarily for their roles as founding fathers of our country, but there were many other facets to their complicated lives, and music was among their interests. Benjamin Franklin was an enthusiastic music lover who played several instruments, and even invented one: the glass armonica. Thomas Jefferson described music as the “favorite passion” of his soul, and was an avid violin player who owned several violins and a huge library of music. And George Washington *liked* music a great deal, but only as a listener — he admitted he couldn’t carry a tune or play any instruments.
So, however you are celebrating the Fourth of July holiday, I heartily encourage you to choose baroque music as your soundtrack and party like the Founding Fathers! www.SundayBaroque.org/listen