Johann Christoph Pepusch (German pronunciation:[ˈjoːhanˈkʁɪstɔfˈpeːpʊʃ]; 1667 – 31 July [O.S. 20 July] 1752), also known asJohn Christopher Pepusch (English:/ˈpeɪpʊʃ/) andDr Pepusch, was a German-bornBaroquecomposer who spent most of his working life in England.
Pepusch was born in Berlin, son of a Protestant minister. He studied music theory under Martin Klingenberg, cantor of theMarienkirche in Berlin.[1] At the age of 14, he was appointed to thePrussian court where he gave music lessons to the futureFrederick 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,[2] but continued to publish inAmsterdam until 1718.
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 TheAcademy of Ancient Music. In Joseph Doane'sMusical directory for the year 1794, the founding of the Academy is discussed. On page 76, Doane states:
In the year 1710 (memorable forHandel's first appearance among us) a number of the most eminent composers and performers in London [agreed] to concert a plan of an Academy for the study and practice of Vocal and Instrumental Music, which was no sooner announced than it met the countenance and support of the principal persons of rank. Among the foremost in this undertaking were Mr. John Christopher Pepusch, Mr.John Earnest Galleard, an excellent composer and performer on the Oboe, Mr. Bernard Gates of the Queen's Chapel, Henry Niedler, etc.[3][4]
— Joseph Doane
He also founded the Madrigal Society. Both were devoted to researching the history of music but specifically music of the Elizabethan period. In 1713 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music by theUniversity of Oxford. Pepusch remained Director of the Academy until his death in 1752, and had established England as an important location for the study of music history. He was succeeded at the Academy byBenjamin Cooke, one of his pupils. His many pupils also includedWilliam Boyce andJohn Bennett.
For a period of twenty years, Pepusch also directed the musical establishment atCannons, a large stately home at Edgware, Middlesex, northwest ofLondon. He was employed there byJames Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos. For a few years, he worked alongsideGeorge Frideric Handel, who had a role described ascomposer in residence. Both men were at Cannons in 1717/18.[2]
Amongst English musicologists, Pepusch is considered significant foremost for his teaching role, but is best known for his arrangement of the music forThe Beggar's Opera (1728) — to thelibretto ofJohn Gay. He composed works of all forms, including stage and church music as well asconcertos and continuosonatas. He often made use of popular dance forms, such as thegigue andsarabande.
Pepusch was married toMargherita de l'Epine who also performed in some of his theatrical productions. He died in London at the age of 85.
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