Cesare e Cleopatra inaugurated the newly opened Berlin State Opera in 1742, marking a high point in the career of a musician who served as Kapellmeister for Frederick the Great. During this era of Baroque music, he established himself as a primary German exponent of the Italian opera style alongside his contemporary, Johann Adolph Hasse.
Early Training and Vocal Beginnings
Born in 1704 in Wahrenbrück, he entered the Kreuzschule in 1714 after moving with his brother, Johann Gottlieb Graun. His formative education included singing under the guidance of Christian Petzold and composition studies with Johann Christoph Schmidt. These years at the Dresden institution and his time with the Opernhaus am Zwinger chorus provided the technical foundation for his subsequent transition from performer to prolific composer.
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By 1724, he relocated to Braunschweig to sing for the local opera house. During this period, he produced six operas for the company. His reputation grew significantly after he composed Lo specchio della fedeltà in 1733 for the wedding of the crown prince Frederick and Elisabeth Christine at Schloss Salzdahlum. This success facilitated his 1735 move to Rheinsberg, eventually leading to his long-term tenure as Kapellmeister following Frederick’s 1740 accession.
The Berlin Opera and Mature Works
His tenure in Berlin was defined by continuous output for the court. He collaborated with King Frederick on the 1755 production of Montezuma, for which the monarch provided the libretto. Beyond his vast catalog of operas such as Artaserse and Catone in Utica, he composed sacred works including the passion cantata Der Tod Jesu in 1755. This cantata maintained popularity in Germany long after his death in 1759, overshadowing many of his theatrical scores which are rarely performed today.
Fast facts
- Born: 1704, Wahrenbrück
- Died: 1759, Berlin
- Education: Kreuzschule
- Primary Occupations: Composer, opera singer
- Major Post: Kapellmeister to Frederick the Great
- Notable Work: Der Tod Jesu (1755)
- Opera Opening: Cesare e Cleopatra (1742)
Questions readers ask
What was his relationship with Frederick the Great?
He served as the Kapellmeister for Frederick the Great from 1740 until his own death in 1759.
What is his most enduring musical work?
His 1755 passion cantata, Der Tod Jesu, remained frequently performed in Germany for many years after he passed away.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: opera
