Johann Christian Kittel
(1732 - 1809)
German organist and composer. An organ pupil first of Jakob Adlung and in 1748-50 of
J. S. Bach, he served as organist at Langensalza (beginning 1751) and at
Erfurt (Barfüsserkirche, 1756-62; Predigerkirche, from
1762). He was also a prominent teacher; his principles of
keyboard instruction (which he characterized as Bach-influenced)
are compiled in a treatise,
Der angehende praktische Organist (1801-8). He also compiled chorale books (Vierstimmige Choräle mit Vorspielen, 1803) and composed chorale preludes in a style that incorporates
Baroque and classical elements.
