Johann Adolf Hasse

* 23 or 24 March 1699, Bergedorf – † 16 December 1783, Venice

Hamburg-Bergedorf, the place of his childhood, was the starting point for Hasse’s European career, which took him to all the major musical centres of the 18th century. From an opera singer who enjoyed early success, he went on to become one of the most famous composers of his time.

Notably, Hasse enjoyed a happy marriage as an artist; his wife was as acclaimed as a singer as he was as a composer. She sang and played the leading roles in his operas – and in his life.

From (Hamburg-)Bergedorf to the world – an outstanding career

Johann Adolf Hasse is regarded as the most influential German opera composer on the cusp of the early Classical period. He perfected the then-prevalent form of opera seria and set new standards in European opera. Hasse was no less successful in the field of church music. His masses and oratorios were performed throughout Europe.

Hasse’s fruitful collaboration with his wife, the celebrated singer Faustina Bordoni, was a stroke of luck. It further enhanced the popularity of both artists.

The KQ traces the career of this important artist from his childhood and youth in and around Hamburg to the musical centres of the 18th century.

Numerous documents – including original libretti, sketches of stage sets and costumes, and historical printed music – paint a multifaceted picture of Hasse’s life and work in European theatres and courts. And a faithful replica of a Baroque opera house allows visitors to appreciate the interplay of forces that enabled the prima donna to soar to the heavens.

The Hasse Society Bergedorf

The Hasse Society Bergedorf e.V. works tirelessly through research, educational outreach and concerts to keep the music of what is arguably the most famous composer of his time alive.

A unique feature of the Hasse Society is that it is the only organisation based in Hasse’s actual birthplace in Bergedorf, in the immediate vicinity of the church and the castle. Alongside running the museum in the KQ, the restoration and preservation of the building is a key priority for the Society.

Hasse-Gesellschaft-Bergedorf e.V.

"For some visitors, Johann Adolf Hasse is perhaps the least well-known ‘resident’ of the KomponistenQuartier – even though he was undeniably one of the most prominent and popular composers of the mid-18th century. Romain Rolland had already described Hasse’s exclusion from the public consciousness as one of the greatest injustices in history. The Hasse Museum in the KomponistenQuartier finally offers the opportunity to present the composer in all the diversity of his work."

Wolfgang Hochstein on behalf of the Hasse Society Bergedorf for the KQ anniversary in 2025