Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

ca. 1703 in Germany

Death

:

July 25, 1751 in Edinburgh, Scotland

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

John Frederick Lampe was a prominent composer of the Baroque era, known for his contributions to the development of English opera. Born in Saxony, Germany in 1703, Lampe was the son of a musician and was exposed to music from a young age. He began his musical education in Germany, studying with his father and later with Johann Kuhnau, the cantor of the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. In 1724, Lampe moved to London, where he quickly established himself as a prominent musician. He played the viola da gamba in the orchestra of the King's Theatre, and also worked as a music teacher and composer. In 1728, he married Isabella Young, a singer and actress who would later perform in many of his operas. Lampe's early works were primarily instrumental pieces, including sonatas and concertos for various instruments. However, he soon turned his attention to opera, which was becoming increasingly popular in England at the time. In 1732, he composed his first opera, "Pyramus and Thisbe," which was performed at the King's Theatre. The opera was well-received, and Lampe went on to compose several more operas over the next few years. One of Lampe's most successful operas was "The Dragon of Wantley," which premiered in 1737. The opera was a parody of the Italian opera seria style, which was popular at the time, and featured humorous lyrics and a satirical plot. The opera was a huge success, and was performed regularly for many years. In addition to his operas, Lampe also composed a number of other vocal works, including cantatas and songs. Many of these works were written for his wife, Isabella, who was a talented singer. Lampe's vocal music was known for its expressive melodies and sensitive treatment of the text. Lampe was also a prolific composer of instrumental music, including sonatas, concertos, and chamber music. His instrumental works were characterized by their lively rhythms and inventive harmonies, and were often influenced by the popular dance music of the time. Despite his success as a composer, Lampe faced financial difficulties throughout his career. He was often forced to borrow money to finance his productions, and was frequently in debt. In 1749, he was imprisoned for debt, and was only released after his friends and colleagues raised the money to pay his debts. Despite these setbacks, Lampe continued to compose and perform throughout his life. He died in London in 1751, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and influential music. His contributions to the development of English opera were significant, and his works continue to be performed and studied today.

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