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He was born in Wahrenbrück in Germany. He sang in the chorus of the Dresden opera before moving to Braunschweig, singing there and writing six operas for the company. He was kapellmeister to Frederick II of Prussia (Frederick the Great) from his accession to the throne in 1740 until Graun's death nineteen years later in Berlin.

Graun wrote a number of operas, some, such as Montezuma ( 1755), with a libretto by King Frederick. None of his pieces are often performed today, though his passionThis article describes the biblical Passion. For other meanings, see passion (disambiguation). Though the word passion is now used to mean a great enthusiasm for some thing or for erotic emotions, in a Christian context, the Passion is the technical term Der Tod Jedu (The Death of Jesus, 1755) was frequently given in Germany for many years after his death. His other works include concertoOrigin Etymology Concerto (from the latin concertus from certare to strive, also confused with concentus , in its most general sense, is a name for a piece of classical music in which there are two distinct groups of instruments, one larger than the others and trio sonataThe trio sonata is a musical form which was particularly popular around the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. A trio sonata is written for two solo melodic instruments and basso continuo, making three parts in all, hence the ns.

Carl Heinrich Graun was the brother of Johann Gottlieb Graun , also a composer.