Johann Heinrich Rolle facts for kids
Johann Heinrich Rolle was a German composer who lived a long time ago, in the 1700s. He wrote music that was popular in his time, especially his Christmas Oratorio. He was known for his "pre-classical" style, which means his music was a bridge between the older Baroque style and the newer Classical style.
Rolle's Early Life and Musical Journey
Johann Heinrich Rolle was born in a town called Quedlinburg in 1716. His father was also a musician in a city named Magdeburg. Young Johann started his musical career early, working as an organist while also studying law.
In 1741, when he was about 25 years old, Rolle became a chamber musician for King Frederick II of Prussia. A chamber musician plays music for the king and his guests in private rooms, not usually for large public concerts. This was a very important job!
After a few years, in 1746, he moved back to Magdeburg. There, he became the organist at St John's Church. An organist plays the organ, a very large musical instrument, during church services.
Becoming a Music Director
In 1751, Rolle's father passed away. Johann then took over his father's job as the music director at the Altstädtisches Gymnasium. This was a secondary school, and as music director, he was in charge of all the music activities there. He spent the rest of his life in Magdeburg, where he passed away in 1785 at the age of 69.
His Music and Legacy
Rolle is mostly remembered today for his beautiful Christmas Oratorio. An oratorio is like a big musical story, often about religious topics, performed by singers and an orchestra. His music was part of the Galant music style, which was light and elegant, leading the way to the more famous Classical music period that came after him.
