Carl Gotthelf Gerlach (31 December 1704 – 9 July 1761) was a German organist, composer and violinist.
Born in Calbitz [de], Wermsdorf, hear Oschatz, Gerlach became a pupil at the Thomasschule in Leipzig, receiving musical training between 1716 and 1723, as an alto singer, violinist and keyboard player, from the Thomaskantor Johann Kuhnau.
After leaving school, Gerlach assisted with musical duties in the two principal churches in Leipzig, the Nikolaikirche and the Thomaskirche, including acting as a copyist; he occasionally escorted Bach during his travels around Germany.
In 1729, on Bach's recommendation, he was appointed as musical director of the Neukirche, Leipzig, a post he occupied until his death.
Gerlach died in Leipzig after a long period of poor health, unmarried and heirless; his musical estate was purchased by the Breitkopf family, who later catalogued the large collection of manuscripts.