Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

ca. 1735 in Silesia, Poland

Death

:

August 28, 1767 in Paris, France

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Johann Schobert was a German composer and harpsichordist who lived during the 18th century. He was born in Silesia, which is now part of Poland, in 1720. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education in Prague. Schobert began his career as a harpsichordist and quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso performer. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, performing in major cities such as Paris, London, and Vienna. In 1760, he settled in Paris, where he became a popular figure in the city's musical scene. As a composer, Schobert was known for his keyboard music, particularly his sonatas for harpsichord. His music was heavily influenced by the style of the French clavecinists, such as François Couperin and Jean-Philippe Rameau. Schobert's music was characterized by its elegance, refinement, and lyricism. One of Schobert's most famous works is his Sonata in G minor for harpsichord and violin. This piece is notable for its virtuosic violin part, which was likely written for Schobert's friend and fellow musician, Jean-Marie Leclair. The sonata is also notable for its use of the "storm and stress" style, which was popular in the late 18th century and characterized by its dramatic and emotional intensity. Schobert's music was also popular in the salons of Paris, where it was often performed by amateur musicians. His music was well-suited for these intimate settings, as it was both accessible and sophisticated. Schobert's popularity in the salons helped to establish him as one of the leading composers of his time. Despite his success, Schobert's life was not without its difficulties. He suffered from poor health throughout his life and was often in debt. In 1767, he was imprisoned for debt and spent several months in jail. He was eventually released, but his health continued to decline. Schobert died in Paris in 1767 at the age of 47. His music fell out of favor in the years following his death, but has since been rediscovered and is now recognized as an important contribution to the classical music repertoire. In conclusion, Johann Schobert was a talented composer and harpsichordist who made significant contributions to the classical music of the 18th century. His music was characterized by its elegance, refinement, and lyricism, and was popular both in the concert hall and in the salons of Paris. Despite his struggles with debt and poor health, Schobert's legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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