Johann Kuhnau

Author Code: GJKX

Kuhnau studied music from early childhood, eventually becoming a cantor at Zittau. From 1684, he was the organist at the Church of St. Thomas in Leipzig, a position he held until his death when he was succeeded by JS Bach. He studied law at Leipzig University from 1682 to 1688, when he graduated and set up a successful law practice. Kuhnau is credited with composing the first sonatas for the harpsichord. From 1689 to 1700, he published numerous suites and sonatas which have survived. Unfortunately, most of his dramatic music has not. In 1700, he became the musical director for the university and also of two churches in Leipzig. That year he also published, The Musical Charlatan a satirical novel which derided Italian music. Kuhnau was a major musical and intellectual figure of his day.