Johann Gottlob Harrer

Johann Gottlob Harrer, more commonly known as Gottlob Harrer, (8 May 1703 – 9 July 1755) was a German composer and choir leader. From 1731-1750 he worked as private musician to Count Heinrich von Brühl. In 1750 he succeeded Johann Sebastian Bach as Thomaskantor at the St. Thomas School, Leipzig; a post he maintained until his death in 1755.

Life Johann Gottlob Harrer was born in Görlitz on May 8, 1703. He originally intended to become a lawyer, and studied the law at the University of Leipzig from 1722-1725. Through the patronage of Count Heinrich von Brühl, he trained as a musician in Italy. Upon completing his education he returned to Germany where he served the count as his private musician in Dresden from 1731-1750. but deputies had had to fulfill his duties on occasion, because of his declining health.

He composed much instrumental music, including 27 symphonies, 24 orchestral suites, 51 flute duets and a number of harpsichord sonatas. He also wrote two masses for choir and orchestra, one mass for unaccompanied voices, 47 cantatas and a number of oratorios, passions, psalms, and motets.