Johann Gottfried Arnold (1773-1806) was a German cellist and composer. He was the son of the schoolmaster of Niedernhall near Oehringen in Würtemberg. From his earliest childhood he showed such a passion and aptitude for music that his father apprenticed him in his twelfth year to the musical director (Stadtmusikus) of the neighbouring town of Künzelsau. During this time he devoted himself chiefly to the practice of the cello, at which, under the influence of a most exacting master, he worked with such diligence as, it is said, permanently to injure his health.