Johann Gottlieb Graun

Johann Gottlieb Graun, born in Wahrenbrück around 1702 or 1703, was a distinguished German composer and violinist whose contributions span the Baroque and Classical eras. As the older brother of the more renowned Carl Heinrich Graun, Johann Gottlieb's own musical legacy is equally impressive. He began his musical journey at the Dresden Kreuzschule, where he received a comprehensive education in music. His talents were further honed under the tutelage of Johann Georg Pisendel in Dresden and the renowned Giuseppe Tartini in Padua. Graun's career flourished as he served as Konzertmeister in Merseburg and later became a prominent figure in the court of Frederick II of Prussia, contributing significantly to the Berlin school of music. His compositions, which include concertos, sonatas, masses, and overtures, are celebrated for their bold harmonies and expressive violin writing. Graun's music reflects a deep understanding of both contrapuntal and homophonic textures, making his works a vital part of the early Classical period's musical landscape.