Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

May 3, 1649 in Wasungen, Germany

Death

:

July, 1719 in Riga, Latvia

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Johann Valentin Meder was a German composer and musician who lived during the Baroque period. He was born on January 27, 1649, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. His father, Johann Meder, was a musician and organist, and it is likely that he played a significant role in his son's musical education. Meder's early years were spent in Frankfurt, where he received his first musical training. He later moved to Nuremberg, where he worked as a musician and composer. In 1675, he was appointed as the court composer to the Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, a position he held until 1681. During his time in Ansbach, Meder composed a number of works, including operas, cantatas, and instrumental music. His most famous work from this period is the opera "Die beständige Argenia," which was first performed in 1680. The opera was well-received and helped to establish Meder's reputation as a composer. In 1681, Meder moved to Stuttgart, where he worked as the court composer to the Duke of Württemberg. During his time in Stuttgart, he composed a number of works, including operas, cantatas, and instrumental music. His most famous work from this period is the opera "Die durch Widerwärtigkeit glücklich bestandene Prüfung," which was first performed in 1683. In 1684, Meder moved to Augsburg, where he worked as the court composer to the Elector of Bavaria. During his time in Augsburg, he composed a number of works, including operas, cantatas, and instrumental music. His most famous work from this period is the opera "Die getreue Alceste," which was first performed in 1687. In 1690, Meder moved to Vienna, where he worked as a composer and musician. During his time in Vienna, he composed a number of works, including operas, cantatas, and instrumental music. His most famous work from this period is the opera "Die durch Widerwärtigkeit glücklich bestandene Prüfung," which was first performed in 1693. Meder's music is characterized by its melodic and harmonic richness, as well as its use of counterpoint and chromaticism. His works are also notable for their use of recitative and aria, which were common forms in Baroque opera. Despite his success as a composer, Meder's life was not without its difficulties. He struggled with financial problems throughout his career, and was often forced to rely on the patronage of wealthy individuals in order to support himself. He also suffered from health problems, and died on August 20, 1719, in Vienna, at the age of 70. Today, Meder is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Baroque period. His works continue to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world, and his influence can be heard in the music of many later composers.

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