Johann Gottlieb Graun (1703–1771) was a prominent German composer and violinist of the early Classical period. He is best known for his contributions to the development of the Berlin school of music, where he served as a violinist and composer for the renowned court of Frederick the Great. Graun's genre primarily encompassed opera, sacred music, and instrumental works, with a particular emphasis on the orchestral concerto. His most notable works include the opera "Cleopatra e Cesare" (1755) and various concertos for violin and flute, showcasing his ability to blend lyrical melodies with intricate instrumental textures. Graun's impact on music is significant; he was instrumental in advancing the opera genre in Germany, influencing subsequent composers such as Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and Christoph Friedrich Bach. His work laid the groundwork for the more dramatic and expressive styles that characterized the late Classical and early Romantic periods. Additionally, Graun's operatic compositions contributed to the establishment of a distinctly German operatic tradition, elevating the prominence of German language and themes in the operatic repertoire.