Kittel, Johann Christian 02/18/1732 - 04/17/1809

Johann Christian Kittel (1732-1809), organist and composer, came from a devoutly Protestant family. He received his musical training in Erfurt. In 1748 he went to Leipzig, where J.S. Bach employed him as an accompanist. After Bach's death he went to teach at a girls' school in Langensalza. In 1756 he won a position as organist at the Barfüßerkirche in Erfurt, which he later exchanged for a position at the Prediger church. As one of Bach's last students he attained great fame and taught many students himself, writing an important organ method. He also brought organ playing into the center of religious worship.