Johann Ludwig Krebs
Johann Ludwig Krebs (born Oct. 10, 1713, Buttelstedt, Saxony [Germany]—died Jan. 1, 1780, Altenburg) was a German organist and composer noted for his organ music.
Krebs studied under his father and was later a favourite pupil of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach at Leipzig. He was organist at Zwickau, Zeitz, and Altenburg. His organ music is composed in the forms used by Bach and leans heavily on Bach’s style. It is technically very accomplished. Krebs also wrote trio sonatas, sonatas for flute and harpsichord, and some sacred vocal music.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Johann Ludwig Krebs
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
01 January 2026
Access Date:
November 15, 2026