Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

August 15, 1736

Death

:

1803

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Johann Christoph Kellner was a German composer and musician who lived during the 18th century. He was born on November 28, 1736, in Gräfenroda, a small town in Thuringia, Germany. Kellner was the son of Johann Peter Kellner, a well-known organist and composer, and his wife, Johanna Sophia. His father was his first music teacher, and he received his early musical education from him. Kellner showed a great talent for music from a young age, and he began composing his own music at the age of 14. He was also an accomplished keyboard player and played the organ, harpsichord, and clavichord. Kellner's father recognized his son's talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. In 1755, Kellner moved to Leipzig to study music at the University of Leipzig. He studied under Johann Sebastian Bach, who was the director of music at the university at the time. Bach was impressed with Kellner's talent and took him under his wing, teaching him composition and keyboard playing. Kellner also studied with other prominent musicians of the time, including Johann Gottlieb Graun and Johann Joachim Quantz. After completing his studies, Kellner returned to Thuringia and began working as a musician and composer. He held various positions as an organist and music director in churches and courts throughout the region. Kellner also taught music to private students and wrote music for them to play. Kellner's music was influenced by the Baroque style of his teacher, Bach, but he also incorporated elements of the emerging Classical style. His compositions were known for their elegance, clarity, and technical skill. Kellner wrote music for a variety of instruments, including keyboard, strings, and wind instruments. One of Kellner's most famous works is his collection of keyboard pieces, "Erster Clavier-Übung" (First Keyboard Exercise). The collection consists of 24 pieces, each in a different key, and is considered one of the most important keyboard works of the 18th century. The pieces are technically challenging and showcase Kellner's skill as a composer and keyboard player. Kellner also wrote music for the church, including cantatas, chorales, and hymns. His sacred music was highly regarded and was performed in churches throughout Germany. Kellner's secular music included sonatas, concertos, and chamber music. His music was popular during his lifetime but fell out of favor after his death. Kellner died on April 19, 1803, in Gräfenroda, at the age of 66. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be appreciated by musicians and music lovers today. His music is known for its technical skill, elegance, and beauty, and it remains an important part of the Baroque and Classical music repertoire.

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