Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1634

Death

:

1666

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Adam Krieger was a German composer and musician who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in Driesen, Brandenburg, on January 7, 1634. Krieger was the son of a Lutheran pastor, and he grew up in a musical family. His father was a skilled musician who taught him how to play the organ and the violin. Krieger began his musical career as a choirboy in the St. Nicholas Church in Berlin. He later studied music with Johann Crüger, who was the organist at the same church. Krieger was a talented student, and he quickly became proficient in playing the organ, the violin, and the lute. In 1655, Krieger was appointed as the organist at the St. Mary's Church in Zittau. He held this position for two years before moving to Zeitz, where he became the court organist for the Duke of Sachsen-Zeitz. Krieger remained in this position for the rest of his life. As a composer, Krieger was known for his sacred music, which included cantatas, motets, and chorales. He also wrote secular music, such as songs and instrumental pieces. Krieger's music was influenced by the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann, who were both his contemporaries. One of Krieger's most famous works is his chorale prelude "Nun danket alle Gott" (Now Thank We All Our God). This piece is still performed today and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and uplifting hymns in the Christian tradition. Krieger's other notable works include his cantatas "Der Herr ist König" (The Lord is King) and "Die Seele Christi heilige mich" (The Soul of Christ Sanctify Me). These pieces are examples of Krieger's skill in composing sacred music that is both beautiful and spiritually uplifting. In addition to his work as a composer, Krieger was also a respected music teacher. He taught music to the children of the Duke of Sachsen-Zeitz and was known for his patient and kind teaching style. Krieger died on February 30, 1666, in Zeitz. He was only 32 years old at the time of his death, but he had already made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

More....