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Johann Gottfried Walther, (born September 18, 1684, Erfurt, Mainz [Germany]—died March 23, 1748, Weimar), German organist and composer who was one of the first musical lexicographers. Walther grew up in Erfurt, where as a child he studied the organ and took singing lessons. In 1702 he became an organist at Erfurt’s Thomaskirche. After studying briefly at the local university, Walther decided to devote himself to music, especially music theory. In 1703 he began a period of travel, touring Germany and meeting such influential musicians as Andreas Werckmeister, a fellow theorist who took Walther under his wing. In 1707 Walther became organist at the Weimar Stadtkirche, and he retained that post until his death. In Weimar he also served as music teacher to Prince Johann Ernst, nephew of the reigning duke. Between 1708 and 1714 Walther formed a friendship with Johann Sebastian Bach, of whom he was a second cousin.
