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Georg Philipp Telemann

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Georg Philipp Telemann was a German Baroque composer and multi-instrumentalist, born in 1681 in Magdeburg and died on 25 June 1767. He is regarded as one of the most prolific composers in history. His father died when he was four. His mother and family forbade him to make music, but he studied in secret and at twelve had already written an opera. He taught himself almost everything. After schools in Magdeburg, Zellerfeld and Hildesheim he went to study law in Leipzig, but chose music after all.

Music and breakthrough

Telemann held important posts in Leipzig, Sorau, Eisenach and Frankfurt before settling in Hamburg in 1721 as music director of the five main churches. His music combines French, Italian and German styles, and Polish folk music sometimes shines through. For organ students he wrote 48 chorale preludes and twenty little fugues. His recordings include suites, concertos for trumpet and works for recorder, viola da gamba and oboe.

Influence

His contemporaries counted him among the best German composers. Johann Sebastian Bach made him godfather to his son Carl Philipp Emanuel, and he compared favourably with Bach and Handel, both of whom he knew personally. He always remained at the forefront of new musical currents. His music forms an important link between the late Baroque and the early Classical style. In Hamburg a Telemann museum is dedicated to him.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a suite by Telemann and see whether you recognise French, Italian or German traits. Telemann blended those styles in his music.

Discography

Studio albums

Mentioned in other articles

See also

Categories: ArtistsGerman Baroque and Bach