Johann Ernst Altenburg

Full biography Johann Ernst Altenburg

Johann Ernst Altenburg was a German composer, trumpet player, and organist who was born in 1734 and died on May 14, 1801. He came from a musical family, and it is believed that he studied music with his father.

Altenburg was a prolific composer, and his works include concertos, symphonies, chamber music, and vocal music. He is best known for his Essay on the Introduction to the Heroic and Musical Trumpeters' and Kettledrummers' Art, a treatise on trumpet playing and composition that is still studied by trumpet players today. In this treatise, Altenburg provides detailed instructions on playing the trumpet and kettledrum, as well as many examples of music for these instruments.

In addition to his work as a composer, Altenburg also served as the town organist in Merseburg, Germany, and was a member of the court orchestra in Weissenfels. He was highly regarded as a performer on both the trumpet and the organ, and his music reflects his skill as a performer.

Although Altenburg's music is not as well-known as that of some of his contemporaries, he was a highly respected composer during his lifetime and his work continues to be studied and performed today. His contributions to the development of trumpet music and composition in particular have had a lasting impact on the field, and his treatise remains an important resource for trumpet players and composers alike.