Kapellmeister facts for kids
A Kapellmeister (say: Ka-PEL-my-ster) is a German word for a musician who is in charge of making music. The word comes from the Latin word for "chapel." In German, "Kapelle" later meant "choir" because choirs sang in chapels. "Meister" means "master."
Other languages have similar titles. In French, it's maître de la chapelle. In Italian, it's Maestro di Capella. In English, you might hear Chapel Master or, more generally, Director of Music.
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What Did a Kapellmeister Do?
The title Kapellmeister was often used for musicians in Germany who worked for a king, prince, or rich nobleman. These powerful people often had their own private orchestras until about 200 years ago. The Kapellmeister was like the main music director.
Key Responsibilities of a Kapellmeister
A Kapellmeister had many important jobs. They were responsible for choosing new musicians for the orchestra. They would also rehearse and conduct the orchestra. Another big part of their job was composing any new music that was needed for events or performances.
Famous Composers as Kapellmeisters
Many well-known composers held jobs as Kapellmeisters.
- Johann Sebastian Bach worked as Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen from 1717 to 1723.
- George Frideric Handel was Kapellmeister for George, Elector of Hanover. This George later became George I of Great Britain.
- Joseph Haydn worked for many years as Kapellmeister for the Eszterházy family. This was a very important noble family in the Austrian Empire.
Kapellmeisters in Churches
A Kapellmeister could also be the Director of Music for a church. Sometimes, this role was called "Kantor" in Germany. Johann Sebastian Bach was called "Kantor" when he was the Director of Music at the church of St Thomas in Leipzig from 1723 to 1750.
The Kapellmeister Today
By the 19th century, society in Europe began to change. Noble families were not as wealthy as they once were. Many composers started to earn a living as freelance musicians, meaning they worked for themselves. For example, Ludwig van Beethoven never became a Kapellmeister.
Today, the word "Kapellmeister" is sometimes still used in German. It can mean the Director or conductor of an orchestra or choir. This title shows that they not only conduct but also organize the group.
See also
In Spanish: Maestro de capilla para niños
