Routledge Frederick the Great and his Musicians - Viola da Gamba Music

Discover how Berlin's performing arts transformed under Frederick the Great's reign, moving beyond decades of stagnation under the 'Barracks King'. Before his 1740 coronation, the crown prince recruited a brilliant ensemble of musician-composers including C.P.E. Bach and the Graun brothers, who composed exceptional viola da gamba music during a period when the instrument was becoming obsolete elsewhere. This Routledge study explores the court's cultural flourishing and the pivotal role of musicians like Ludwig Christian Hesse, who joined the orchestra in 1741. Gain insight into classical music history, the Berlin School's compositional legacy, and how royal patronage shaped one of Europe's most distinguished musical centres during the eighteenth century.