Who was Johann Ernst Eberlin?

Dear Friends,

For this week’s prelude, I will play Fugue in C major by Johann Ernst Eberlin (1702 - 1762). 

Eberlin was a German organist and composer whose work bridged the Baroque and Classical periods.  This transitional period is often referred to as the Empfindsamer Stil, or, more commonly, the Galant Style.  Music of this period was purposefully less florid than that of the Baroque, and more influenced by emotional context.

Eberlin was a contemporary of Leopold Mozart, the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  The elder Mozart admired Eberlin, and was a great proponent of his music.  When his young son was introduced to Eberlin’s music, however, he dismissed it out of hand.  Despite the younger Mozart’s rejection, Eberlin was revered throughout Germany as one of the era’s most distinguished composers.

Enjoy the music this weekend - and until we meet again, take care and stay well!

David