Carl Heinrich Graun

Full biography Carl Heinrich Graun

Composer Carl Heinrich Graun was a German composer and tenor born on May 7 , 1704. He is known for his operas and sacred music compositions, particularly the Passion oratorio Der Tod Jesu. Along with Johann Adolph Hasse , he is considered to be one of the most important German composers of Italian opera in the mid-18th century. Graun's passion for music led him to become a chorister in Dresden before moving on to work as a musician in Braunschweig. He quickly rose up the ranks in Braunschweig and became Vice-Kapellmeister. Graun notably wrote six operas for the Braunschweig court. His career was closely connected with the Royal Opera in Berlin , of which he became the chief composer until his death. Graun was one of three musical brothers who all achieved success in their respective fields. In addition to operas, he also wrote cantatas, funeral music, Passion cantatas, and instrumental music, both sacred and secular. Graun passed away on August 8, 1759, at the age of 55.