Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

July 26, 1694

Death

:

April 23, 1762

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Johann Samuel Endler was a German composer and musician who lived during the Baroque period. He was born on January 24, 1694, in Görlitz, a town in the eastern part of Germany. Endler was the son of a musician, and he grew up in a musical family. His father, Johann Endler, was a trumpeter, and his mother, Anna Rosina, was a singer. Endler showed an early interest in music, and he began his musical education at a young age. He studied with his father and other local musicians, and he quickly became proficient on several instruments, including the violin, harpsichord, and organ. Endler's talent was recognized by the local community, and he was soon performing in public concerts. In 1713, Endler moved to Leipzig to study at the University of Leipzig. He studied music theory and composition with Johann Kuhnau, the cantor of the Thomaskirche and one of the most important composers of the time. Endler also studied with Johann Sebastian Bach, who was the organist at the Thomaskirche. Bach was impressed with Endler's talent, and he became a mentor to the young composer. Endler's early works were influenced by the music of Bach and other Baroque composers. He wrote several cantatas, sonatas, and other instrumental works, which were performed in Leipzig and other cities in Germany. Endler's music was well-received by audiences and critics, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer. In 1720, Endler was appointed as the court organist in Dresden, where he worked for the Elector of Saxony. He remained in this position for the rest of his life, and he became one of the most important musicians in the court. Endler composed music for the court chapel, and he also performed in public concerts and other events. Endler's music continued to evolve during his time in Dresden. He began to incorporate elements of the emerging galant style into his compositions, which was a more light and graceful style of music that was popular in the mid-18th century. Endler's music was also influenced by the Italian opera, which was becoming increasingly popular in Germany at the time. Endler's most famous works are his keyboard sonatas, which he composed in the 1730s and 1740s. These sonatas are characterized by their virtuosic keyboard writing and their use of the galant style. Endler's sonatas were widely performed and admired during his lifetime, and they continue to be performed and recorded today. Endler also composed several vocal works, including cantatas and oratorios. His oratorio, "Die Israeliten in der Wüste" (The Israelites in the Wilderness), was particularly popular and was performed in Dresden and other cities in Germany. The oratorio tells the story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, and it features arias, choruses, and recitatives. Endler was also an important teacher and mentor to other musicians. He taught several students, including his son Johann Gottfried Endler, who became a successful composer and musician in his own right. Endler's influence can be seen in the music of other composers of the time, including Johann Joachim Quantz and Johann Friedrich Agricola. Endler died on March 10, 1762, in Dresden. He was remembered as one of the most important musicians of his time, and his music continued to be performed and admired in the decades after his death.

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