Johann Adam (composer)
Johann Adam was a German violist and composer of the Baroque era.
Life
Little is known about Johann Adam's early years and his birth year is an estimate. In 1733, he was listed as a Jagdpfeiffer at the Royal court in Dresden. In 1737 he was transferred to the Hofkapelle as a violist with a yearly salary of 400 thaler. From around 1740, he was also well known as a composer of ballet music which was played during operas, particularly those of Hasse, and from 1763 to 1769, he was employed as the director and composer of the Elector's French Theater. In 1775, Charles Burney said of him: "Mr. Adam, a veteran musicien, one of the few remaining performers in the celebrated opera-band, under the direction of Signor Hasse, has established himself a great reputation by his composition of the music to the dances performed at this opera in its most flourishing state".Works
Many of Adam's compositions have been lost. Below is a list of his known works which are listed in RISM. As well as these, there are several movements of ballet music inserted into operas which also survive.- Oboe Concerto in B-flat major
- Oboe Concerto in G major
- Flute Concerto in D major
- Flute Concerto in G major
- Harpsichord Concerto in F major
- Concerto for 2 flutes in G major
- Concerto for 2 flutes in C major
- Sinfonia in G major for strings and continuo
- Sinfonia in D major for strings and continuo
- Sinfonia in F major for strings and continuo, 2 oboes and continuo
- Partita in E-flat major for strings, 2 oboes and continuo
- Sonata for 2 flutes in G major
- Ballet Music La Tempête
- Sacred Cantata Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen
- Polonaise Fackel-Tanz for 2 oboes, 2 horns, 2 violins and continuo
- Recueil d'airs à danser execute's sur le Théâtre du Roi à Dresde accommode's pour le clavecin