Select Genre

Classical Music

Jazz and Blues

Nostalgia

Contemporary Instrumental

World Music

AudioBooks

Relaxation Music

Essentials

New Releases

Featured Label

Recently Added

Critics' Picks

Composers

Artists

Exclusive Samplers

Virtual Box Sets

Highlights

Audiophile Albums

Listening Guides

Lifestyle Compilations

200 Naxos Essentials

Featured Series

Most Downloaded

New Labels

Podcasts

Gift Certificates

Search Options

Music Browser

Advanced Search

Subscribe to our
Newsletter

Your feedback, please.
Please feel free to send your comments or suggestions to our Customer Service.

Classiscsonline Home » Composers » G » Graupner, Christoph

Christoph Graupner (1683 - 1760)

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 He applied for the position of Thomascantor in Leipzig, after Telemann had withdrawn his candidacy, and was chosen in preference of J. S. Bach, but was compelled by his employer to remain in Darmstadt, where he remained until his death in 1760.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.

Discography