Charles Frederic Abel

Charles Frederic Abel, a celebrated musician, and the most skillful performer on the "viola de gamba" of his time, was born at Coethen, 1725, and learned music under Sebastian Bach. He was employed for ten years at the Royal Chapel of Dresden, when the misfortunes of war obliged the court to reduce its expenses. Abel left in 1758, and traveled through Germany, thence to England, where the Duke of York procured a situation for him, with a salary of two hundred pounds sterling. Soon after, he was made director of the Chapel of the Princess. He remained in London until 1783, then went to Berlin, where, although sixty five years old, he excited general admiration by his fine, expressive performances.

Although his temper was quick, and his manners unrefined, he was well received in society. He died June 27, 1787, of a lethargy which lasted three days.

He wrote some seventeen works, which were published in London, Paris, and Berlin. Abel wrote for the English operas, "Love in a Village," and "Berenice."