Telemann was born on March 14, 1681 in Magdeburg. Because of his father?s early death, his upbringing was placed in the hands of his mother, who, despite her son?s outstanding musical talent ? while still in secondary school in Zellerfeld, he was composing arias, motets and songs ? she nevertheless wanted to make something ?proper? of the boy, namely a lawyer. Telemann initially followed the wishes of his mother, but then ultimately decided on a musical career after receiving one honorable commission after another. At the age of 23 he was made the music master in the court of Count Promnitz in Sorau. Four years later we find him as the master of the duke?s music in Eisenach. In 1712 he moved on to Frankfurt on the Main, where a bit later he was appointed municipal music director. Meanwhile, his fame had advanced to such a degree that he could comfortably afford to turn down commissions. In 1721 Telemann worked as director of church music for the five main churches in Hamburg, and the Hamburg Opera also owes its last flourishing in that period to him. On June 25, 1767 Telemann died as one of the most famous and formidable composers in the European musical world of his time.
Born on March 14, 1681 in Magdeburg
Died on June 25, 1767 in Hamburg