Naumann, Johann Gottlieb

Naumann, Johann Gottlieb a noted, German composer of music, both sacred and profane, was born of very humble parentage near Dresden, Saxony, in 1741. Though Naumann had to struggle against poverty and hardships, his industry never relaxed.

He pursued his studies until he made himself one of the first musicians of his age. In 1765 he was appointed composer to the elector of Saxony. He died of apoplexy in the year 1801. His compositions, which were very numerous, include works of every kind — operas, oratorios, songs, cantatas, odes, compositions for the pianoforte, symphonies, etc. For the last vears of his life he devoted himself altogether to the composition of sacred music, and left many valuable works in the library of the chapel of Dresden.