Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

March 2, 1753 in Guben, Germany

Death

:

November 2, 1788 in London, England

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Johann Samuel Schröter was a German composer and musician who lived during the 18th century. He was born on January 5, 1751, in Meiningen, Germany. His father, Johann Heinrich Schröter, was a court musician and composer, and his mother, Johanna Dorothea, was a singer. Schröter grew up in a musical family and began his musical education at a young age. Schröter's father recognized his son's musical talent and began teaching him the piano and violin. Schröter quickly became proficient in both instruments and began composing his own music. At the age of 14, Schröter was appointed as a court musician in Meiningen, where he played the violin and harpsichord. In 1771, Schröter moved to Berlin to study music with Johann Joachim Quantz, a famous flutist and composer. While in Berlin, Schröter also studied with Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the son of Johann Sebastian Bach. Schröter's time in Berlin was a turning point in his career, as he was exposed to new musical styles and techniques. After completing his studies in Berlin, Schröter returned to Meiningen, where he was appointed as the court composer and conductor. In this role, Schröter composed music for the court and conducted performances of his own works. He also taught music to the court musicians and was responsible for organizing musical events. Schröter's music was influenced by the classical style of Mozart and Haydn, as well as the Baroque style of his father. His compositions were known for their elegance and lyricism, and he was particularly skilled at writing for the piano and voice. One of Schröter's most famous works is his opera "Der Alchymist," which premiered in 1778. The opera tells the story of an alchemist who is searching for the philosopher's stone, a mythical substance that can turn base metals into gold. The opera was well-received and helped establish Schröter's reputation as a composer. In addition to his opera, Schröter composed a number of instrumental works, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. His piano music was particularly popular, and he wrote a number of sonatas and variations for the instrument. Schröter's career was cut short by his untimely death in 1788, at the age of 37. Despite his short life, Schröter left behind a significant body of work that continues to be performed and appreciated today. His music is known for its elegance, lyricism, and technical skill, and he is considered to be one of the most important composers of the classical period.

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