Georg Philipp Telemann

Georg Philipp Telemann

Georg Philipp Telemann is a German composer from Magdeburg, Germany, active in the Baroque and Classical periods and also associated with opera. Born in 1681 and dying in 1767, he is one of the most prolific composers in history in terms of surviving works.

Early life and education

Telemann is mostly self-taught in music and pursues composition despite opposition from his family. He studies in Magdeburg, Zellerfeld and Hildesheim, then enrols at the University of Leipzig to study law before turning fully to music.

Career

He holds major musical posts in Leipzig, Sorau, Eisenach and Frankfurt, and settles in Hamburg in 1721. There he becomes musical director of the city's five main churches.

Reputation and relationships

During his lifetime, Telemann is regarded as one of the leading German composers and is compared favourably with Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel, both of whom he knows personally. Bach names his son Carl Philipp Emanuel after Telemann, who also serves as the child's godfather.

Music and style

Telemann writes a large amount of music for training organists, including 48 chorale preludes and 20 small modal fugues to accompany harmonisations of about 500 hymns. His music combines French, Italian and German national styles and sometimes shows the influence of Polish popular music. He is also noted for adopting new musical trends, and his work forms an important link between the late Baroque and early Classical periods.

Personal life and legacy

His personal life includes the early death of his first wife and the departure of his second wife after extramarital affairs and gambling debts. The Telemann Museum in Hamburg is dedicated to his life and work.