Johann Friedrich Agricola, musically speaking, was a jack-of-all-trades who was capable and distinguished not only with who he knew but what he knew. Among his pursuits were composition, organ playing, conducting, music historian and singing master. Agricola was a student of J. S. Bach, a collaborator with C. P. E. Bach in the writing of J. S. Bach's obituary (appearing in "Musikalische Bibliothek"), the musical director for Frederick the Great, a composer, singer and teacher, and an acquaintance of C. H. Graun (Agricola wrote his obituary as well). Agricola's contribution to Nicolai's "Allgemeine deutsche Bibliothek" is a study of melody which still reads fresh, and a contribution to Adlung's "Musica mechanica organoedi" became an inmportant source on the construction of organs and keyboard instruments (after all, J. S. Bach was his teacher). Though his compositions were lacking the needed talent for a sustained career Agricola's singing and musicography continued to inspire. Much of his writings about music and musicians are still relevant and serve as a spring board for any student of Bach, Graun, melody, or organ constuction. He published "Opinioni de' cantori antichi e moderni" by Tosi having contributed a plethora of notes. Agricola's notes and translation made this into a watershed for singing instruction. ~ Keith Johnson
