Biography
A German composer skilled on the organ, violin, and viola da gamba, Bruhn stood among the leading figures of the middle Baroque. He studied with Buxtehude and may have left his mark on J. S. Bach. Contemporary accounts singled out his violin playing for its singular effect: one instrument could be made to suggest the presence of an entire ensemble. The greater part of his output has been lost. What survives, especially the vocal music, displays an Italian emphasis on solo virtuosity. The remaining works consist of twelve cantatas and five pieces for organ.