Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

February 12, 1760 in Tschaslau, Czechoslovakia

Death

:

March 20, 1812 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Jan Ladislav Dussek was a Czech composer and pianist who lived from 1760 to 1812. He was born in Čáslav, Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. His father, Jan Josef Dussek, was a well-known organist and composer, and his mother, Veronika Dussek, was a singer. Dussek showed an early talent for music and began studying piano and composition with his father at a young age. In 1779, Dussek moved to Prague to study with František Xaver Dušek, a prominent pianist and composer. He quickly became known for his virtuosic piano playing and his innovative compositions. In 1781, he moved to Paris, where he became a favorite of the French aristocracy. He performed regularly at the court of Marie Antoinette and was appointed court pianist in 1784. Dussek's compositions from this period include a number of piano sonatas, concertos, and chamber music works. He was known for his use of unusual harmonies and his innovative use of the piano, including the use of the damper pedal and the creation of new piano effects. He also wrote vocal music, including operas and songs. In 1792, Dussek moved to London, where he continued to perform and compose. He became a favorite of the English aristocracy and was appointed music master to Princess Charlotte, the daughter of King George III. He also performed regularly at the Hanover Square Rooms, a popular concert venue in London. Dussek's compositions from this period include a number of piano sonatas, concertos, and chamber music works. He continued to experiment with new piano effects and wrote some of the first piano music to include dynamic markings. He also wrote vocal music, including operas and songs. In 1800, Dussek married Sophia Corri, a Scottish singer and pianist. The couple had three children and traveled extensively throughout Europe, performing and composing. Dussek's compositions from this period include a number of piano sonatas, concertos, and chamber music works. He continued to experiment with new piano effects and wrote some of the first piano music to include dynamic markings. He also wrote vocal music, including operas and songs. In 1810, Dussek's health began to decline, and he retired from public life. He died in 1812 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. Dussek's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, but it fell out of favor in the years following his death. In recent years, however, there has been renewed interest in his music, and his works are once again being performed and recorded. His innovative use of the piano and his experimental harmonies have been cited as influences on later composers, including Chopin and Liszt.

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