Johann Christoph Pezel, also known as Johann Christoph Petzold, was a notable German composer, trumpeter, and violinist of the Baroque era, born on December 5, 1639, in Glatz, then part of the Holy Roman Empire. His musical career flourished in the second half of the 17th century, wherein he served in various esteemed positions, including town musician in Leipzig and, subsequently, as the director of music in the St. Nicholas Church. His compositions are characterized by their intricate counterpoint and lively rhythms, emblematic of the German Baroque tradition.

While Pezel's works include a broad range of musical forms such as vocal music and keyboard pieces, he is especially remembered for his instrumental compositions. Some of his most celebrated contributions are in the repertoire for brass instruments, particularly his contributions to the repertoire of trumpet and cornetto music. His "Opus musicum sonatarum," also known as the “Alphabet Sonatas,” offers a rich collection of his instrumental sonatas, and his various overtures and concert symphonies, like the "Concerto Sinfonia in A minor," continue to be performed and recorded, attesting to his enduring legacy in the Baroque repertory. Pezel's “Music For Trumpet & Organ” showcases his skill in creating distinct and vibrant music for liturgical purposes, further highlighting the versatility and depth of his compositions. Johann Christoph Pezel passed away on October 13, 1694, leaving behind a body of work that would influence not only his contemporaries but also the generations of musicians that followed.

Genres

Baroque

Bohemian Baroque

German Baroque

Latest Release

Pezel: Opus musicum sonatarum (The “Alphabet Sonatas”)

Johann Christoph Pezel•

Acronym

Album - 25 Tracks - Released February 4, 2014