Court composer to Frederick the Great and Frederick II, 1775-94: he visited London and Paris 1785 and again some years later, and dismissed from court post for sympathy with French Revolution.

Conducted Kassel Opera 1808; he wrote at least 12 operas, Singspiele, setting of Milton's Morning Hymn, over 1,500 songs (including setting of Erlkönig, highly praised by Mendelssohn), and much chamber music.

He is author of several books on composition.