(b Wahrenbrück, 1702-3; d Berlin, 27 Oct 1771). German composer. He studied the violin and composition with J. G. Pisendel and later with Tartini in Prague (c 1723-4). After serving briefly at Merseburg and Arolsen he joined the musical establishment of the Prussian crown prince in 1732; when the prince became king (Frederick the Great) in 1740, Graun became Konzertmeister at the new Berlin Opera. One of the foremost German instrumental composers of the pre-Classical era, he wrote c 400 works, including symphonies, concertos (most for violin), trio sonatas etc The symphonies have a fresh, individual style, and use clear sonata forms. He also composed sacred music, solo cantatas and songs.

His brother August Friedrich (1698/9-1765), a musician at Merseburg, was also a composer.

The Concise Grove Dictionary of Music. Copyright © 1994 by Oxford University Press, Inc.. All rights reserved.