Johann Ludwig Krebs facts for kids

Johann Ludwig Krebs was a German musician and composer from the Baroque period. He was born in 1713 and passed away in 1780. Krebs was famous for playing the pipe organ and harpsichord. He also wrote music for orchestras and smaller groups of instruments. His music included pieces for choirs and concertos.

A Musician's Life

Johann Ludwig Krebs was born in 1713 in a town called Buttelstedt. His father, Johann Tobias Krebs, was also an organist. Music ran in the family! At least three of Johann Ludwig's brothers were also very talented musicians.

When he was young, Krebs went to Leipzig to study music. There, he learned to play the organ, lute, and violin.

Studying with a Master

Krebs had a very famous teacher: Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach was one of the greatest composers of all time. He had even taught Krebs's father! Bach thought very highly of Krebs. He believed Krebs was one of the best organ players, almost as good as Bach himself.

Finding His Way

Even though Krebs was incredibly talented, it was hard for him to find a big job. He wanted to be a court musician or work at a large church. At this time, music styles were changing. The older Baroque style, which Krebs loved, was becoming less popular. A new, simpler style called galant music was taking over. This made it difficult for Krebs to find work.

Krebs first took a smaller job in Zwickau. In 1755, he became the court organist for Prince Friedrich in Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. This was five years after Bach had passed away.

Krebs had seven children and worked hard to support his family. Even though he never held a top court composer job, he wrote many pieces of music. Most of his works were not published until the 1900s.

His Musical Works

Krebs wrote music using a style called counterpoint. This is where different musical lines weave together. Many people think his counterpoint was as good as Bach's. However, this style was seen as old-fashioned and too complex for the new galant era. The galant style preferred music that was clear and simple.

Famous Pieces

One of Krebs's most famous pieces is the Fantasia in F minor. It is written for oboe and organ. The Eight Short Preludes and Fugues are also well-known. Sometimes, these pieces are thought to be by Krebs, his father, or even J.S. Bach. He also wrote two large concertos for the lute and orchestra.

Krebs's three sons also became famous musicians. One of them became a well-known composer of Lieder, which are German songs.

Organ Music

Krebs wrote many pieces for the organ. Here are some of them:

• 7 Preludes and Fugues
• 2 Toccatas and Fugues
• 3 Preludes
• 4 small Preludes
• 2 Fantasias and Fugues (one fugue is not complete)
• 3 Fantasias
• 11 Fugues
• 17 Trios
• 35 Chorale Settings (with 5 variations and 6 other settings that might not be by him)
• 13 Chorales with 3 settings each – from his "Clavierübung" (published in 1752–1753)
• 5 Fantasias for wind instruments (trumpet, flute, oboe) and organ; 1 variation
• 15 Chorale Settings for wind instruments and organ; 1 fragment