Johann Joachim Quantz

After the death of his father, a blacksmith, Quantz began his musical training under his uncle, a town musician in Merseburg. He studied string and wind instruments and also took lessons on the harpsichord. During this period he came to know the works of the major Baroque composers of the preceeding and present generations. Quantz moved to Dresden and became a member of the town band in 1716. After studying counterpoint the following year in Vienna, he next settled in Dresden as oboist for Augustus II, in the Polish chapel. He perceived little opportunity for advancement on th...