Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1708

Death

:

1772

 

Johann Georg Reutter was a prominent composer of the Baroque era, born on December 27, 1708, in Graz, Austria. He was the son of Georg Reutter, a court musician, and his wife, Maria Elisabeth. Johann Georg Reutter was the eldest of six children, all of whom were musically talented. His siblings included Franz Joseph Reutter, who became a composer and conductor, and Maria Theresia von Paradis, a blind pianist and composer. Johann Georg Reutter received his early musical education from his father, who was a skilled musician and composer. He also studied with Johann Joseph Fux, a prominent composer and music theorist of the time. Reutter's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became known for his skill as a composer and performer. In 1726, Reutter was appointed as the court composer and Kapellmeister at the court of the Archbishop of Salzburg. He held this position for 20 years, during which time he composed a large number of works, including operas, oratorios, and sacred music. His works were highly regarded, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. One of Reutter's most famous works is his oratorio "Der Tod Jesu" (The Death of Jesus), which was first performed in 1755. The oratorio tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is considered one of the most significant works of the Baroque era. It was widely performed throughout Europe and remains popular to this day. Reutter was also known for his operas, which were highly regarded for their musical complexity and emotional depth. His most famous opera is "L'Incoronazione di Dario" (The Coronation of Darius), which was first performed in 1744. The opera tells the story of the coronation of Darius, the king of Persia, and is notable for its intricate vocal writing and complex orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Reutter was also a skilled conductor and performer. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians and was highly respected by his peers. He was also a prolific teacher, and many of his students went on to become successful composers and performers in their own right. Despite his success, Reutter's life was not without its challenges. He suffered from poor health throughout his life and was often forced to take extended breaks from his work. He also faced financial difficulties, and at one point was forced to sell his personal library to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Reutter remained dedicated to his work and continued to compose and perform until his death on October 11, 1772. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and performed to this day. His works are considered some of the most significant of the Baroque era, and his influence can be seen in the work of many composers who came after him.

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