Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1775

Death

:

1831

 

Sophia Giustina Corri-Dussek was a Scottish-Italian composer and pianist who lived from 1775 to 1831. She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to a family of musicians. Her father, Domenico Corri, was an Italian composer and music publisher, and her mother, Felicita Agnesi, was an Italian singer. Sophia grew up in a musical household and received a thorough education in music from her parents. Sophia began performing in public at a young age, and she quickly gained a reputation as a talented pianist. She made her debut in London in 1792, and she was soon performing regularly in concerts and salons throughout Europe. In addition to her performances, Sophia also composed music, and she was one of the few female composers of her time to achieve recognition for her work. Sophia's compositions were influenced by the classical style of Mozart and Haydn, as well as the emerging Romantic style of Beethoven. Her works include piano sonatas, chamber music, and songs. One of her most famous works is her Piano Sonata in C minor, which was published in 1805. This sonata is notable for its dramatic and expressive qualities, which were unusual for a female composer of the time. In addition to her own compositions, Sophia also collaborated with her husband, the pianist and composer Jan Ladislav Dussek. The couple met in London in 1795, and they were married the following year. They performed together in concerts and salons throughout Europe, and they also composed music together. Their collaborations include a set of six sonatas for piano and violin, which were published in 1806. Sophia and Jan Ladislav Dussek's marriage was not without its difficulties. Jan Ladislav was known for his temper and his infidelities, and the couple separated several times over the course of their marriage. Despite these challenges, they remained married until Jan Ladislav's death in 1812. After her husband's death, Sophia continued to perform and compose music. She also became involved in music publishing, and she worked to promote the music of other female composers. She published a collection of songs by the Scottish composer Jane Mary Guest in 1819, and she also published her own works. Sophia's career was cut short by her death in 1831. She died in London at the age of 56, and she was buried in the cemetery of St. Pancras Old Church. Despite her relatively short career, Sophia Giustina Corri-Dussek made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her compositions were praised for their originality and their emotional depth, and she paved the way for future generations of female composers.

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