Telemann was born in Magdeburg, Prussia (now in Germany), and educated at the University of Leipzig. Largely self-taught in a number of musical instruments, Telemann held various posts with churches and private orchestras in Leipzig, Sorau (now Zary, Poland), and Eisenach until 1721, when he settled in Hamburg; he was to remain there as town music director for the rest of his life.

One of the most prolific of composers, Telemann is an important link between the baroque style, as exemplified in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, and the early classical style, as exemplified by Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He skillfully combined conventional baroque counterpoint with delightful Italian-style operatic airs and the richness and grace of French orchestration.

The works of Telemann, including 40 operas, 44 passions, 12 cycles of cantatas, many oratorios, countless songs, and a large body of instrumental music, were very well received during his lifetime. His popularity was in decline, however, from his death until his rediscovery in the 1930s. Since then much of his work has been recorded, and his music continues to be performed on the concert stage.