A chorister in Dresden in childhood and adolescence, Johann Gottlieb Graun, the second of three musician brothers, was a pupil of Vivaldi’s pupil Pisendel and, for a short time, of Tartini. Employed as concertmaster in Merseburg, he taught Bach’s eldest son, Wilhelm Friedemann; but in 1732, after other appointments, he joined the musical establishment of the future Frederick the Great, at Ruppin and then at Rheinsberg, before the latter’s accession to the Prussian throne in 1740. In Berlin he was appointed concertmaster of the new opera orchestra, established by the King.

Orchestral and Chamber Music

Graun was a prolific and admired composer, if now unduly neglected. His compositions include nearly 100 symphonies, 80 concertos, trios and solo sonatas.