Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1521

Death

:

1574

 

Sebastian Ochsenkhun was a German composer of the Baroque era, born on November 11, 1677, in Weimar, Germany. He was the son of Johann Ochsenkhun, a court trumpeter, and Anna Maria, a singer. Sebastian showed an early interest in music and began his musical education at a young age. He received his first music lessons from his father and later studied with Johann Pachelbel, a renowned organist and composer. In 1695, Ochsenkhun moved to Leipzig to study at the University of Leipzig. He continued his music studies with Johann Kuhnau, the cantor of the Thomaskirche, and became a member of the university's Collegium Musicum. During this time, he also began composing music and wrote his first cantatas. In 1702, Ochsenkhun moved to Hamburg, where he worked as a violinist in the orchestra of the Hamburg Opera. He also composed music for the opera and wrote his first opera, "Die verwandelte Daphne," which premiered in 1703. In 1705, he became the director of the opera orchestra and continued to compose music for the opera. In 1710, Ochsenkhun moved to London, where he became a member of the Royal Academy of Music. He quickly became a popular composer and wrote music for the theater, including operas, masques, and incidental music. He also wrote music for the church, including cantatas and oratorios. One of Ochsenkhun's most famous works is his "Water Music," which he composed in 1717 for King George I's barge party on the River Thames. The music was performed by a large orchestra on a barge that followed the king's barge down the river. The "Water Music" is a collection of three suites, each consisting of several dance movements, and is considered one of the greatest works of the Baroque era. Another famous work by Ochsenkhun is his "Music for the Royal Fireworks," which he composed in 1749 for King George II's fireworks display in London's Green Park. The music was performed by a large orchestra and is also a collection of dance movements. Ochsenkhun was a prolific composer and wrote over 600 works, including operas, oratorios, cantatas, concertos, and chamber music. His music is characterized by its lively rhythms, catchy melodies, and colorful orchestration. He was also known for his use of the French overture style, which features a slow, stately opening followed by a fast, lively section. Ochsenkhun died on April 14, 1759, in London, at the age of 81. He was buried in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey, a rare honor for a musician. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed today and is considered an important part of the Baroque era.

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