With his exceptional networking skills and his 43-year association with the Dresden Court Orchestra, including 27 years as concert master, Johann Georg Pisendel was the beating heart of the most famous orchestra in 18th century Europe. Pisendel gathered and inspired a remarkable group of musicians and composers, including Vivaldi, Telemann, Bach, Albinoni, Quantz and Zelenka, many of whom dedicated works to him. Pisendel was a fastidious music copyist during his tenure. He also amassed a collection of more than 2,000 music scores from his trips to Italy and France, giving the orchestra unparalleled access to repertoire.