Johann Melchior Molter facts for kids
Johann Melchior Molter (born February 10, 1696 – died January 12, 1765) was a German composer and violin player. He lived during the late Baroque period, a time when music was often grand and decorative. Molter wrote many different kinds of music, including some of the very first concertos for the clarinet.
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The Life of Johann Molter
Early Years and Family
Johann Molter was born in a town called Tiefenort, near Eisenach, Germany. He went to school, a "Gymnasium," in Eisenach. By 1717, when he was about 21 years old, he moved to Karlsruhe. There, he started working as a violinist.
In Karlsruhe, Molter married Maria Salome Rollwagen. They had eight children together. This shows he had a busy family life while also pursuing his music career.
Studying Music in Italy
From 1719 to 1721, Molter traveled to Italy to study music composition. Italy was a very important place for music at that time. Many composers went there to learn new styles and ideas.
Becoming a Kapellmeister
After his studies, Molter became a "Kapellmeister" in 1722. A Kapellmeister was the leader of an orchestra or choir, usually at a royal court. He worked in Karlsruhe until 1733. In 1734, he became Kapellmeister for Duke Wilhelm Heinrich in Saxe-Eisenach.
Later Life and Return to Karlsruhe
Sadly, Molter's first wife, Maria, passed away in 1737. By 1742, he married Maria Christina Wagner. In that same year, he moved back to Karlsruhe. He began teaching at the local gymnasium there.
From 1747 until he died, Molter worked for Margrave Carl Friedrich of Baden-Durlach. This margrave was the son of Molter's first employer. Johann Melchior Molter died in Karlsruhe in 1765.
Molter's Music
Johann Molter wrote a lot of music during his life. His surviving works show how talented he was.
Types of Compositions
Molter composed many different pieces, including:
- An oratorio (a large musical work, usually on a religious theme)
- Several cantatas (pieces for singers and instruments)
- Over 140 symphonies, overtures, and other works for orchestra
- Many concertos (pieces for a solo instrument with an orchestra)
Clarinet Concertos
Molter is especially famous for writing some of the very first clarinet concertos. The clarinet was a new instrument at the time. His concertos helped show what the clarinet could do.
Music in Pop Culture
One of Molter's many Trumpet Concertos is used as the main theme music for Washington Journal, a TV show on C-SPAN.
See also
In Spanish: Johann Melchior Molter para niños
