Pfeiffer, Johann

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Pfeiffer, Johann

Pfeiffer, Johann, German violinist and composer; b. Nuremberg, Jan. 1, 1697; d. probably in Bayreuth, 1761. He studied at the univs. of Halle and Leipzig. He was a violinist (1720–25) and Konzertmeister (1726–33) of the Weimar court orch. From 1734 he served as Kapellmeister in Bayreuth, and also was music teacher to Margravine Wilhelmine, sister of Friedrich II the Great. In 1753 he was granted the honorary title of Hofrat. He composed 3 syms., 18 concertos for Violin and Strings, 9 concertos for Violino Picolo and Orch., 2 concertos for Lute and Strings, a Flute Concerto, chamber music, and vocal pieces.

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire