Agricola, Johann Friedrich

1720-1774

German musician, who was said to be the best organist in Berlin in his day, but whose compositions had no permanent value. He was educated at the University of Leipsic and studied music for three years with the great Johann Sebastian Bach. Later he lived and studied at Berlin and Dresden. Under the name Olibrio, he published pamphlets on French and Italian music, in 1749. On account of the success of a cantata, performed in 1750, Agricola was made Court composer by Frederick the Great, and after 1759 was appointed director of the Royal Chapel. Agricola translated Tosi's Method of Singing and was himself considered a very good singing teacher. He composed eight operas and much church music.