Johann David Heinichen

German composer Johann David Heinichen (1683-1729) studied with Johann Kuhnau at the Thomasschule in Leipzig. Destined to follow a career in law, Heinichen permanently abandoned this pursuit in 1709 to compose for the Leipzig opera instead; the following year he went to Venice to immerse himself in Italian music. In 1717, Heinichen was named co-kapellmeister to the court of Augustus II in Dresden and was still serving in this position when he died 12 years later. Long forgotten, Heinichen was restored to prominence in the 1990s through the efforts of conductor Reinhard Goebel; Heinichen composed operas, sacred music, concertos, and instrumental sonatas.