Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

February 10, 1696 in Tiefenort

Death

:

January 12, 1765 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Johann Melchior Molter was a German composer and violinist who lived during the Baroque and early Classical periods. He was born on February 10, 1696, in Tiefenort, a small town in Thuringia, Germany. His father, Johann Ulrich Molter, was a musician and a member of the court orchestra in Eisenach. Johann Melchior Molter grew up in a musical family and received his early musical education from his father. At the age of 14, Molter was sent to study music with Johann Christoph Graupner in Darmstadt. Graupner was a well-known composer and a colleague of Johann Sebastian Bach. Molter studied with Graupner for three years and then moved to Karlsruhe, where he became a member of the court orchestra. In 1720, he was appointed as the court composer and Kapellmeister (music director) in Karlsruhe, a position he held for the rest of his life. Molter was a prolific composer and wrote music in a variety of genres, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and vocal music. He was particularly known for his instrumental music, which was characterized by its virtuosity and expressiveness. His music was influenced by the Italian style of the time, which emphasized melody and harmony over counterpoint. One of Molter's most famous works is his Trumpet Concerto in D major, which was written in the early 1730s. The concerto is scored for trumpet, strings, and continuo, and is notable for its virtuosic trumpet writing. The first movement is a lively allegro, while the second movement is a lyrical adagio. The final movement is a fast and energetic allegro. Molter also wrote a number of symphonies, including his Symphony in G minor, which is one of his most popular works. The symphony is scored for strings and continuo, and is characterized by its dramatic and expressive melodies. The first movement is a fast and energetic allegro, while the second movement is a slow and lyrical adagio. The final movement is a lively and playful allegro. In addition to his instrumental music, Molter also wrote vocal music, including cantatas and oratorios. One of his most famous vocal works is his oratorio "Der Durchzug durchs Rote Meer" (The Crossing of the Red Sea), which was written in 1742. The oratorio tells the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt and their crossing of the Red Sea. The work is scored for soloists, choir, and orchestra, and is notable for its dramatic and expressive music. Molter's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. His music was performed throughout Europe, and he was particularly popular in England. His music was also influential on later composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Joseph Haydn. Molter died on January 12, 1765, in Karlsruhe, Germany. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be performed and enjoyed today. His music is characterized by its virtuosity, expressiveness, and Italianate style, and is a testament to his skill as a composer and musician.

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