Johann Friedrich Fasch

Johann Friedrich Fasch (April 15, 1688 – December 5, 1758) was a German composer.

Fasch was born in Buttelstädt, was a choirboy in Weissenfels and studied under Johann Kuhnau at Thomasschule zu Leipzig and later founded a Collegium Musicum in the city. He then traveled throughout Germany, becoming a violinist in the orchestra in Bayreuth in 1714, and also holding court posts in Greiz and Lukavec. In 1722 he was appointed Kapellmeister at Zerbst, a post he held until his death.

His works include cantatas, concertos, symphonies and chamber music. None of his pieces were printed in his lifetime, and a large number of his vocal works, including four operas, have been lost. However, he was held in high regard by his contemporaries (Johann Sebastian Bach made manuscript copies of a number of his pieces), and he is today considered an important link between the Baroque and Classical periods.

Fasch died in Zerbst at the age of 70.

Johann Friedrich Fasch was the father of Carl Friedrich Christian Fasch, also a musician.

External links

• International Fasch Society
• Johann Friedrich Fasch free scores in the Werner Icking Music Archive