Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

September 28, 1681 in Hamburg, Germany

Death

:

April 17, 1764 in Hamburg, Germany

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Johann Mattheson was a German composer, singer, and music theorist who lived from 1681 to 1764. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, to a family of musicians. His father, Johannes Mattheson, was a well-known musician and composer in Hamburg, and he began teaching Johann music at a young age. Johann Mattheson showed a great talent for music from an early age, and he began performing in public when he was just six years old. He was a gifted singer and keyboard player, and he quickly became known for his virtuosic performances. As a young man, Johann Mattheson traveled to Italy to study music. He spent several years in Venice, where he studied with the famous composer Antonio Lotti. While in Italy, he also had the opportunity to perform in some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including the Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo in Venice. After returning to Hamburg, Johann Mattheson became a prominent figure in the city's musical scene. He was appointed as the director of music at the Hamburg Cathedral, and he also served as the director of music at the Hamburg Opera. He composed a number of operas, cantatas, and other works during this time, and he became known for his innovative use of harmony and counterpoint. One of Johann Mattheson's most famous works is his opera "Boris Goudenow," which was first performed in Hamburg in 1710. The opera tells the story of the Russian Tsar Boris Godunov, and it features a number of memorable arias and duets. The opera was a great success, and it helped to establish Johann Mattheson as one of the leading composers of his time. In addition to his work as a composer, Johann Mattheson was also a prolific music theorist. He wrote a number of influential treatises on music theory, including "Der vollkommene Capellmeister" (The Complete Music Director), which was published in 1739. This treatise is still considered to be one of the most important works on music theory from the Baroque era, and it provides valuable insights into the musical practices of the time. Johann Mattheson was also known for his contributions to the development of the keyboard. He invented a new type of keyboard instrument called the "pantaleon," which was a combination of a harpsichord and a lute. This instrument was designed to allow performers to play both melody and accompaniment at the same time, and it was widely used in the 18th century. Despite his many accomplishments, Johann Mattheson's life was not without its challenges. He suffered from a number of health problems throughout his life, including a serious eye condition that left him blind in one eye. He also experienced financial difficulties, and he was forced to sell many of his possessions in order to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Johann Mattheson remained dedicated to his music throughout his life. He continued to compose and perform until his death in 1764, and his legacy as a composer, singer, and music theorist continues to be celebrated to this day.

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