Christian Gottlob Neefe facts for kids
Christian Gottlob Neefe (born February 5, 1748 – died January 28, 1798) was a German opera composer and conductor. He is best known for being one of the first teachers of the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven.
Life and Career
Neefe was born in Chemnitz, a city in Saxony, Germany. He started learning music and composing when he was just 12 years old. He first studied law at Leipzig University. However, he soon returned to his passion for music. He became a student of the composer Johann Adam Hiller, who helped him write his first funny operas.
In 1776, Neefe joined a theater group called the Seyler theatrical company in Dresden. He took over as the music director from his teacher, Hiller. Later, Neefe became the court organist in Bonn. This was an important job where he played the organ for the royal court. He also became the main piano teacher for young Ludwig van Beethoven. Neefe played a big part in helping Beethoven create some of his very first musical pieces.
Neefe's most famous work was a type of German opera called a Singspiel, titled Adelheit von Veltheim, which he wrote in 1780. He passed away in Dessau.
Musical Works
Christian Gottlob Neefe wrote many different kinds of music during his life.
Operas
Neefe composed several operas, which are plays set to music. His most well-known opera was:
- Adelheit von Veltheim (1780) – This was a popular play with singing.
Some of his other operas included:
- Der Dorfbarbier (The Village Barber) (1771)
- Die Apotheke (The Pharmacy) (1771)
- Zemire und Azor (1776)
- Die Zigeuner (The Gypsies) (1777)
Other Music
Besides operas, Neefe also wrote other types of music:
- Oden von Klopstock: A serenade for piano and voice.
- Variations on a march from Mozart's opera The Magic Flute.
- Twelve piano sonatas.
- A Rondo in C major.
See also
In Spanish: Christian Gottlob Neefe para niños
