Johann Adolph Scheibe

Book excerpt: Johann Adolph Scheibe (1708-1776) is considered to be the most important composer and Kapellmeister in Denmark in the eighteenth century. Although he is mainly known for his critique of Johann Sebastian Bach's style of composition and, to a lesser extent, of Bach as a music theoretician, Scheibe was an immensely productive composer, producing two operas, a series of cantatas, works composed for special occasions, instrumentals and several song collections including children's songs and songs to the freemasons. This book is the first catalogue of Scheibe's oeuvre. Comparing Scheibe's music theoretical and aesthetic ideas, this book offers a balanced view of Scheibe's extensive work and importance for cultural life, in particular in regards to music, in Copenhagen and the Duchies during the eighteenth century.