Nichelmann, Christoph

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Nichelmann, Christoph

Nichelmann, Christoph, German composer; b. Treuenbrietzen, Aug. 13, 1717; d. Berlin, 1761 or 1762. Following training in Treuenbrietzen, he became a student at the Leipzig Thomasschule (1730), where he found a mentor in J. S. Bach. After receiving training in keyboard playing and composition from W. F. Bach, he went to Hamburg (1733) to continue his studies with Keiser, Telemann, and Mattheson. He settled in Berlin, where he completed his training with Quantz and C. H. Graun. With C. P. E. Bach, he served as harpsichordist at the royal court from 1745 to 1756. Among his works were 3 sinfonias, Ouverture, Concerto for Violin and Strings, 16 concertos for harpsichord and strings (1740–59), various keyboard pieces, Il sogno di Scipione, serenata (1745), Requiem, Zefflrretti, cantata, and 22 Lieder.

Bibliography

H. Döllmann, C. N.: Ein Musiker am Hofe Friedrichs des Grossen (Löningen, 1938); D. Lee, The Works of C. N.: A Thematic Index (Detroit, 1971).

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire