Johann Gottfried Müthel
1728 - 1788
We haven’t focused much on organ music since starting this Substack so to put that right, not the great JS Bach, but one of the Bach family friends and confidentes.
He was present at JS Bach’s deathbed, notated a number of JS Bach’s later works and was a good friend to CPE Bach (son of JS).
Despite the Bach family influence Müthel’s compositions are considered highly original and were well renowned in his day. However since his death in 1788 his works have become obscure and rarely played.
Müthel moved to Riga, Latvia in 1753 and remained in the city until his death. This was where he wrote most of his compositions, published them and also conducted a local orchestra in his spare time. His skills on the harpsichord and particularly the clavichord were renowned across Europe.
His work was praised particularly by English musicologist Charles Burney. However it is his highly original organ music that we wish to draw your attention to here:
I find it hard with organ music (to some extent also choral music) to say when it was written. Enjoyed it, but bit too long!
Have just listened to this in its entirety whilst reading à very dull 44 page document. Perfect background music for this purpose.