Abel, Carl Friedrich (1723–1787)

German musician and composer. He played the harpsichord and viola da gamba, and was a member of the court band at Dresden 1743–58. From 1759 he lived in London, where he was appointed chamber musician to Queen Charlotte.

Abel was joint promoter, with Johann Christian Bach, of the Bach-Abel Concerts (1765–81). He wrote a large quantity of instrumental music, of which the works for viola da gamba are perhaps the most notable. His 40 symphonies and overtures are notable for their advanced harmonic style.