Heinichen began his studies of music while attending the Thomasschule in Krossuln learning the harpsichord and organ from Kuhnau. The latter immediately employed him as his assistant. In 1702 he matriculated at the University of Leipzig earning his law degree by 1706. As an advocate in Wissenfels, the musical vitality attracted him away from his vocation in part because it was home to a number of composers including Grunewald, Schiefferdecker, Keiser and Krieg. By 1709 he retunred to Leipzig where a number of his operas were performed. With travels to Venice, Hamburg, and Dresden, exposure to Italian and French forms of composition were captivating. Heinichen's "Der Genral-Bas in der Composition" was begun during his appointment to the court of Naumburg. It is a major treatise on the practice of thoroughbass composition and advocated thoroughbass as the best means available to properly learn the art of composition. Hienichen composed approximately eight operas, and over 250 pieces in toto. The significant feature of his music was his synthesis of German, Italian and French forms. This Baroque musician foreshadowed the galant style of classical music and rarely employed the use of counterpoint. He scored unusual combinations of instruments for the purpose of experimenting with color and flavor. The footnotes of "Der General Bas" are indicative of this characterization of his music. Substance and quantity abound in these seeming asides yielding important insights into Heinichen's theory and aesthetics. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi