Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

March 24, 1740 in Bethlehem, PA

Death

:

December 17, 1811 in Bristol, Avon, England

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

John Antes was a classical music composer born on March 24, 1740, in Frederick Township, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Henry Antes, a wealthy landowner and a devout Moravian Christian. John Antes grew up in a musical family, and his father was a skilled musician who played the violin and the organ. John Antes learned to play the violin and the flute at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. In 1756, John Antes and his family moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he became a member of the Moravian Church. The Moravian Church was known for its musical tradition, and John Antes became involved in the church's music program. He played in the church orchestra and composed music for the church's services. In 1762, John Antes traveled to Europe to study music. He spent time in Germany, Switzerland, and England, studying with some of the most prominent musicians of the time. He studied composition with Johann Christoph Pepusch in London and Johann Georg Albrechtsberger in Vienna. He also studied the violin with Johann Stamitz in Mannheim. After returning to America in 1764, John Antes settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he continued to compose music and play in the church orchestra. He also became involved in the community and served as a justice of the peace and a member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. John Antes's most famous work is his String Quartet in D Major, which he composed in 1770. The String Quartet is considered one of the earliest examples of the genre in America and is notable for its use of counterpoint and its complex harmonies. The String Quartet was not published during John Antes's lifetime and was only discovered in the 20th century. John Antes also composed a number of other works, including hymns, anthems, and instrumental pieces. His music was influenced by the Moravian Church's musical tradition and the European classical music of the time. His works are characterized by their use of counterpoint, complex harmonies, and intricate rhythms. In addition to his musical career, John Antes was also involved in the American Revolution. He served as a captain in the Pennsylvania Militia and fought in the Battle of Long Island in 1776. He was captured by the British and spent several months as a prisoner of war before being released in a prisoner exchange. After the war, John Antes returned to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he continued to compose music and play in the church orchestra. He also became involved in the community and served as a justice of the peace and a member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. John Antes died on September 10, 1811, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at the age of 71. He is remembered as one of the earliest American composers and a pioneer of the string quartet genre in America. His music continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world.

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