In 1696 the German composer Christoph Graupner entered the Thomasschule in Leipzig, where J. S. Bach was later to teach. His period in Leipzig brought friendship with Telemann, then working in the city. In 1707 he moved to Hamburg as harpsichordist at the opera, later moving to Darmstadt where, in 1712, he became Kapellmeister to the Landgrave of Hessen-Darmstadt. He applied for the position of Thomascantor in Leipzig, after Telemann had withdrawn his candidacy, and was chosen in preference of J. S. Bach, but was compelled by his employer to remain in Darmstadt, where he remained until his death in 1760.

Operas and Vocal Music

Graupner wrote operas for Hamburg, some in collaboration with Reinhard Keiser, and further such works during his earlier days at Darmstadt. His appointment in Darmstadt also brought the composition of some 1418 church cantatas, and a smaller number of secular cantatas.

Orchestral, Instrumental and Keyboard Music

Graupner was equally prolific in his composition of 113 symphonies and a number of solo concertos and concertos for groups of soloists. His works for smaller ensembles include trio sonatas, and for the harpsichord, on which he was a noted performer, a quantity of suites in the style and forms of the period.