ON THIS DAY | Composer Christoph Willibald Gluck Was Born in 1714

Gluck is known as a major contributor to the transition between baroque and classical opera

Revolutionary German operatic composer Christoph Willibald Gluck was born on this day in 1714.

In addition to Germany, he spent time in Prague, Vienna, London, and Paris — where he became known for his French-inspired "reform" operas.

His signature works include the operas "Orfeo ed Euridice," "Alceste," "Iphigénie en Tauride," and "Paride ed Elena."

Gluck played violin and cello from an early age, and his major contributions to the string repertoire include six trio sonatas and "Melodie from Orfeo ed Euridice"  arranged by Jascha Heifetz.

He was born to foresters on his father's side and was knighted in 1756.

CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK | MELODIE (ARR. HEIFETZ) | LEONID KOGAN & NAUM WALTER