Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Czech Republic

Birth

:

March 9, 1737 in Ober-Sárka, Bohemia

Death

:

February 4, 1781 in Rome, Italy

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Josef Myslivecek was a Czech composer of the classical era, born on March 9, 1737, in Prague. He was the son of a prosperous miller, and his family was musically inclined. His father played the violin, and his mother was a singer. Myslivecek showed an early interest in music and began studying the violin at a young age. He received his first musical education from his father and later studied with the renowned violinist Franz Benda in Berlin. Myslivecek's talent as a composer was recognized early on, and he began writing music while still a teenager. He composed his first opera, "Semiramide," at the age of 18, which was performed in Prague in 1755. This was followed by several other operas, including "L'Olimpiade," which was performed in Venice in 1761 and was a great success. Myslivecek's music was heavily influenced by the Italian style, which he had been exposed to during his travels to Italy. He was particularly influenced by the music of Giovanni Battista Sammartini, whom he met in Milan in 1760. Myslivecek's music was characterized by its lyricism, elegance, and clarity of form. Myslivecek's career as a composer flourished in the 1760s and 1770s. He composed numerous operas, symphonies, and chamber music works, which were performed throughout Europe. He was particularly popular in Italy, where he was known as "Il Boemo" (the Bohemian). He was also a favorite of the royal courts in Paris and Madrid, where he was appointed court composer. One of Myslivecek's most famous works is his Symphony in F major, which was composed in the 1760s. This symphony is notable for its use of the Mannheim rocket, a musical technique that was popularized by the Mannheim school of composers. The Mannheim rocket is a rapid ascending arpeggio that creates a sense of tension and excitement in the music. Myslivecek's use of this technique was influential in the development of the classical symphony. Myslivecek's operas were also highly regarded during his lifetime. His most famous opera, "Il Bellerofonte," was first performed in Naples in 1767. This opera was a great success and was performed throughout Europe. It is notable for its use of the aria form, which was a departure from the traditional recitative style that was popular at the time. Myslivecek's music was also influential in the development of the classical string quartet. He composed several string quartets, which were among the first works in this genre. His string quartets were characterized by their use of counterpoint and their clear, concise form. Despite his success as a composer, Myslivecek's personal life was marked by tragedy. He suffered from alcoholism and was known to have a volatile temper. He was also involved in a scandalous affair with a young singer, which led to his expulsion from the court in Madrid. Myslivecek's career declined in the 1780s, and he died in poverty in Rome on February 4, 1781. Despite his relatively short career, Myslivecek's music had a significant impact on the development of classical music. His influence can be seen in the works of composers such as Mozart and Haydn, who were both familiar with his music. Today, Myslivecek is remembered as one of the most important composers of the classical era.

More....