Johann Gottfried Walther, German organist and composer (b. 1684)

A Glimpse into the Baroque: The Life and Legacy of Johann Gottfried Walther

Born in Erfurt on September 18, 1684, Johann Gottfried Walther was a formidable figure of the Baroque era, carving out a significant reputation as a German music theorist, organist, composer, and lexicographer. His life nearly paralleled that of his more famous cousin, Johann Sebastian Bach, creating a fascinating interconnectedness within the vibrant musical landscape of early 18th-century Germany. Walther’s contributions provided a crucial foundation for understanding the music of his time, both through his extensive writings and his influential compositions.

The Monumental "Musicalisches Lexicon"

Among Walther’s many achievements, he is perhaps best remembered as the diligent compiler of the "Musicalisches Lexicon" (Leipzig, 1732). This wasn't just another book; it was an enormous and groundbreaking dictionary of music and musicians, a true landmark in music scholarship. Its significance cannot be overstated: it was not only the first dictionary of musical terms ever written in the German language, but it also pioneered the inclusion of both theoretical terms and biographical information about composers and performers, covering the period up to the early 18th century. Imagine the task! Walther meticulously defined over 3,000 musical terms, drawing upon an impressive array of more than 250 separate sources. These included foundational theoretical treatises from the early Baroque and even the Renaissance, demonstrating his profound commitment to comprehensive scholarship. A testament to its depth, the writings of Johann Mattheson, a prominent contemporary theorist, served as the single most important source, referenced over 200 times throughout the Lexicon.

Teacher, Theorist, and the Essence of "Musica Poetica"

Beyond his lexicographical work, Walther was also a respected music teacher. Notably, he tutored Prince Johann Ernst von Sachsen-Weimar, for whom he penned a practical handbook titled "Praecepta der musicalischen Composition" in 1708. This valuable text, which remained in manuscript form until Peter Benary’s 1955 edition, offered insights into the compositional practices of the day. His theoretical prowess also extended to concepts of musical rhetoric. As Dietrich Bartel elucidates in his book "Musica Poetica," Walther's definition of "musica poetica" or musical composition, beautifully articulates the Baroque understanding of music’s profound purpose:

Musica Poetica: Walther's Definition

"Musica Poetica or musical composition is a mathematical science through which an agreeable and correct harmony of the notes is brought to paper in order that it might later be sung or played, thereby appropriately moving the listeners to Godly devotion as well as to please and delight both mind and soul…. It is so called because the composer must not only understand language as does the poet in order not to violate the meter of the text but because he also writes poetry, namely a melody, thus deserving the title Melopoeta or Melopoeus."

This definition underscores the era's view of music as both an intellectual discipline ("mathematical science") and a powerful expressive art form designed to stir the emotions and connect listeners to the divine.

A Composer of Influence: Organ Works and Bach's Inspiration

As an organ composer, Walther left an indelible mark, particularly through his ingenious organ transcriptions of orchestral concertos by various contemporary Italian and German masters. These included no fewer than 14 transcriptions of concertos by celebrated composers such as Albinoni, Gentili, Taglietti, Giuseppe Torelli, Vivaldi, and Telemann. The impact of these works cannot be overstated: they served as direct models, inspiring his cousin, Johann Sebastian Bach, to create his own famed transcriptions of concertos by Vivaldi and others. This exchange highlights a vibrant intermingling of musical ideas among the leading figures of the Baroque. On the other hand, in his capacity as the city organist of Weimar, Walther also composed exactly 132 organ preludes based on revered Lutheran chorale melodies, a staple of German Protestant church music. A selection of free keyboard music further enriches his impressive legacy, cementing his place as a versatile and influential figure in Baroque music.

Frequently Asked Questions About Johann Gottfried Walther

• Who was Johann Gottfried Walther?

  Johann Gottfried Walther was a German music theorist, organist, composer, and lexicographer from the Baroque era (1684–1748). He was a significant figure in his time, renowned for his contributions to musical scholarship and composition.

• What is Walther's most famous work?

  His most famous and influential work is the "Musicalisches Lexicon" (1732), an extensive music dictionary. It was the first of its kind in German to combine both musical terms and biographical information about musicians.

• What was Johann Gottfried Walther's connection to Johann Sebastian Bach?

  Walther was the cousin of the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Their lives were nearly contemporaneous, and they shared a close musical relationship, with Walther's organ transcriptions notably influencing Bach's own concerto arrangements.

• What kind of music did Walther compose?

  Walther was primarily an organ composer. He is known for his 132 organ preludes based on Lutheran chorale melodies, as well as 14 innovative organ transcriptions of orchestral concertos by other Baroque masters like Vivaldi and Telemann. He also composed some free keyboard music.

• What was his role as a music theorist?

  Beyond the "Musicalisches Lexicon," Walther also served as a music teacher to Prince Johann Ernst von Sachsen-Weimar, for whom he wrote "Praecepta der musicalischen Composition." His definition of "musica poetica" also provides deep insight into Baroque musical aesthetics.