Kellner, Johann Peter
1705-1788
Organist and devoted admirer of Bach. Was a native of Grafenrode in Thuringia. Was first instructed in music and taught to admire Bach by J. C. Schmidt. He held the place of cantor at Frankenhain, but soon took the same position in his own town, which he refused to leave for the rest of his life. He became acquainted with Bach and Handel, and many of the present editions of Bach's works are taken from Kellner's copies of the originals. He composed a number of successful figured chorals; trios; preludes; fugues; and some dance-music, all of which show Bach's influence.