Johann Christoph Pepusch

Johann Christoph Pepusch (; 1667 1752), also known as John Christopher Pepusch () and Dr Pepusch, was a German-born Baroque composer who spent most of his working life in England. Early life Pepusch was born in Berlin, son of a Protestant minister. He studied music theory under Martin Klingenberg, cantor of the Marienkirche in Berlin. At the age of 14, he was appointed to the Prussian court where he gave music lessons to the future Frederick William I of Prussia. He resigned this position in 1698 after witnessing the execution of an officer without trial. He then first went to Amsterdam. In 1704, he settled in England, but continued to publish in Amsterdam until 1718. Career At first, Pepusch earned a living playing the viola, then as a theatre director, music theoretician, teacher and organist. In 1726, Pepusch founded The Academy of Vocal Music with others; in around 1730–1, it was renamed The Academy of Ancient Music. In Joseph Doane’s Musical directory for the year 1794, the founding of the academy is discussed. On page 76, Doane states: He also founded the Madrigal Society. Both were devoted to researching the history of music but specifically music of the Elizabethan period.