Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

June 17, 1644 in Unterschwaningen, Mittelfranken

Death

:

1719 in London, England

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Johann Wolfgang Franck was a German composer of the Baroque era, born on June 6, 1644, in Weimar, Germany. He was the son of Johann Franck, a famous poet and hymn writer of the time. Franck 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 Jakob Froberger, a renowned composer and keyboard player. Franck's musical talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly became known for his skill as a keyboard player and composer. He was appointed as the court organist in Weimar at the age of 18, and he held this position for several years. During this time, he composed a number of works for the organ, including preludes, fugues, and chorale settings. In 1667, Franck moved to Leipzig to study law at the University of Leipzig. However, he continued to pursue his musical interests and became involved in the musical life of the city. He played the organ at the Thomaskirche and composed music for the church. He also became friends with Johann Kuhnau, who would later become the Thomaskantor in Leipzig. In 1670, Franck moved to Dresden, where he was appointed as the court organist to the Elector of Saxony. He held this position for several years and composed a number of works for the court, including sonatas, suites, and concertos. He also wrote music for the church, including cantatas and motets. In 1680, Franck moved to Hamburg, where he became the organist at the Jacobikirche. He held this position for the rest of his life and became one of the most respected musicians in the city. He composed a number of works for the church, including cantatas, motets, and chorale settings. He also wrote instrumental music, including sonatas and suites. Franck's music is characterized by its contrapuntal complexity and its use of chromaticism. He was influenced by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann, and his music is often compared to theirs. His works are also notable for their use of the organ, which was his primary instrument. Some of Franck's most famous works include his Sonata in D minor for violin and continuo, his Suite in A minor for harpsichord, and his Chorale Prelude on "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland." He also wrote a number of cantatas, including "Ich bin die Auferstehung und das Leben" and "Ich bin das Brot des Lebens." Franck's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. However, his music fell out of favor in the years following his death, and it was not until the 20th century that his music began to be rediscovered and appreciated once again. Today, Franck is recognized as an important figure in the development of Baroque music. His music is admired for its complexity and its emotional depth, and it continues to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world.

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