Johann Friedrich Peter

Who was Johann Friedrich Peter?

Johann Friedrich Peter was an American composer of German origin. He emigrated to the United States in 1770, and for a time served as an organist and violinist with Unity of the Brethren congregations in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. As a composer he wrote mostly anthems; also included in his output are six string quintets for two violins, two violas, and a violoncello, among the earliest examples of chamber music known by a North American composer. The six string quintets, performed by the American Moravian Chamber Ensemble, were recorded and published in 1997 on New World Records 80507-2.