Johann Ludwig Krebs was the eldest son of Johann Tobias Krebs and the Krebs family of musicians were noted for their close association with J.S. Bach and J.G. Walther, and, for their enormous production of keyboard music. Johann was an organist who began studying at the age of twelve. He furthered his studies at the University of Leipzig including the violin and lute in his instrumental compliment. He was appointed as the organist to the Marienkirche in Zwickau, the Zeitz castle, and Altenburg castle for Prince Friedrich of Gotha-Altenburg. Krebs was admired for his skill in playing and in composition. The majority of his works, though tending towards the galant style, retain the contrapuntal characteristics in which he was trained. Thorough in his development of fugal themes, Krebs' demonstrated no ingenuity. He did have a flair and understanding of the fantasia, notably the "Fantasia in F-mol for oboe and organ" which was quite stirring. Harpsichord compositions had greater expansions in range than any of his organ works and show not only his ability to compose for the instrument, and in as many idioms as he possibly could, but also a proper conflation of the Baroque and galant styles. Krebs' fondness and depth of thought for his former teacher are illustrated in a number of works employing Bach's name, music or style: fugue on B-A-C-H; "Double Concerto in B-mol" with veneration towards the Fifth Brandenburg Concerto; motets based on motets; and the chorale "Jesu meine Freude" clearly framed under the influence of Bach. ~ Keith Johnson