Adam Krieger
A brilliant, short-lived composer who bridged the early Baroque and planted the seeds for Leipzig's future musical greatness.
1634–1666 (age 32)·German composer·Birthday: January 7
Biography
Adam Krieger's life was a meteor flash in 17th-century German music. A student of the great Samuel Scheidt, he quickly ascended to the organist post at Leipzig's Nikolaikirche while still in his early twenties. There, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit by founding a Collegium Musicum, a society for secular music-making that would later be famously directed by Johann Sebastian Bach. His talent caught the ear of the Dresden court, where he spent his final years as organist. Krieger's output, particularly his elegant and popular secular songs called 'Arien,' showed a move away from strict sacred polyphony toward a more expressive, melodic style that pointed toward the future.
#1 When Adam Was Born
The biggest hits of 1634
Adam's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1634Born
1639Started school
1647Became a teenager
1650Could drive
1652Could vote
1655Turned 21
1664Turned 30
1666Died at 32
Key Achievements
- Founded an early Collegium Musicum in Leipzig, a precursor to the ensemble later led by J.S. Bach.
- Served as organist at the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig from 1655 to 1657.
- Appointed court organist in Dresden, a major musical center, where he spent the remainder of his career.
- Was a prized student of the influential composer and organist Samuel Scheidt in Halle.
Did You Know?
He died at the age of 31 or 32, leaving behind a small but influential body of work.
His collection of songs, 'Arien,' was published in multiple editions after his death, indicating their popularity.
He held a position previously occupied by Johann Rosenmüller, another significant composer of the era.
“Let us gather and make new music for the people of this city.”
