Johann Christoph Pepusch

Though Pepusch was born in Germany and served in the Prussian court he left at the age of thirty for a more judicious country having witnessed the execution of a Prussian soldier for mere insubordination. He settled in London around 1704 and was able to earn his living first as a viol player at Drury Lane and then as the harpsichordist there. While at Drury Lane he presented five masques, became the music director for the soon to be Duke of Chandos (1721) and composed many verse anthems. When John Gay wrote "The Beggar's Opera" it was Pepusch who composed all the music for the basses (perhaps because of his skill and familiarity with the viol) and the overture as well. The overture became quite popular having incorporated one of the more popular tunes from the opera. Pepusch wrote a sequel to Gay's work entitled "Polly." Because of censorship, however, it was not performed until 1777. Genres of Pepusch's compositions included numerous sonatas for violins, flutes, recorders, and harpsichord but his greatest passion was devoted to the study of ancient music. As organist for the Charterhouse (1737) he was afforded the opportunity to study and teach for he had come into great demand. In essence, Pepusch retired from composing but edited the music of Corelli and published "A Treatise on Harmony" among other works musical editions. ~ Keith Johnson