Anna Amalia of Prussia (1723–1787)

German composer of military band music, a genre rarely adopted by women of the 18th century. Name variations: Princess Anna Amalia. Born on November 9, 1723, in Berlin, Germany; died on March 30, 1787, in Berlin (some sources cite 1788); daughter of Sophia Dorothea of Brunswick-Lüneburg-Hanover (1687–1757) and Frederick William I (1688–1740), king of Prussia (r. 1713–1740); youngest sister of Frederick II the Great; aunt of Anna Amalia of Saxe-Weimar (1739–1807); studied harpsichord and piano under Gottlieb Hayne and counterpoint with Johann Philipp Kirnberger.

Princess Anna Amalia was born in a Berlin castle where she would spend her entire life. The youngest sister of Frederick II the Great, she was a product of the Enlightenment, a period when women played an important role in public affairs. She grew up in a rich cultural environment and was trained by court musicians. Most accounts agree that Anna Amalia did not begin composing until her mid-40s. Interestingly, she concentrated on composing marches for military regiments for certain generals, a genre rarely adopted by women. In addition, she founded a music library collection, which includes autographed scores of Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers. Known as the Amalien Bibliothek, it exists today in its entirety. This collection reveals her high level of musical education and her conservative musical taste. Anna Amalia was also a patron of music, and musicians throughout Germany were employed by the court. Under her influence, music flourished in the Prussian court, a rich heritage from which all Germany would benefit.