Wolff, Christian (1679–1754)

German philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who invented the terms ‘cosmology’ and ‘teleology’. He was science adviser to Peter the Great of Russia 1716–25.

Wolff worked in many fields, including theology, psychology, botany, and physics. His philosophy was influenced by Gottfried Leibniz and scholasticism. His numerous works include Vernunftige Gedanken von Gott, der Welt und der Seele der Menschen/Rational Ideas on God, the World and the Soul of Man 1720.

He was professor of mathematics at Halle 1707–23 and professor of mathematics and philosophy at Marburg 1723–40.

Wolff, Christian (1934– )

French-born US composer. His music makes use of a strictly mathematical basis, particularly with regard to rhythms and rests, while also including chance elements.

Wolff went to the USA in 1941. He studied with Cage, and also studied classical languages at Harvard University, obtaining a doctorate, and becoming a lecturer there in classics in 1962.

Works Chamber Nine for nine instruments (1951), For six or seven players, Summer for string quartet, In Between Pieces for three players, For five or ten Players (1962), For one, two or three people, septet for any instruments (1964), For Pianist, For Piano I, II, Duo for Pianists I and II, Duet I for piano (four hands), Duet II for horn and piano.

Choral You Blew It for chorus (1971).