Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Czech Republic

Birth

:

November 27, 1759 in Kamenice u Trebice, Moravia

Death

:

January 8, 1831 in Vienna, Austria

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Franz Krommer was a prominent classical music composer of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was born on November 27, 1759, in Kamenice, a small town in the Czech Republic. Krommer was the son of a schoolmaster and showed an early interest in music. He received his first musical training from his father and later studied with the local church organist. In 1773, Krommer moved to Vienna to further his musical education. He studied violin with the renowned composer and violinist, Giuseppe Tartini, and composition with Johann Georg Albrechtsberger. Krommer quickly established himself as a talented musician and began performing in various orchestras and ensembles in Vienna. In 1785, Krommer was appointed as the principal violinist in the orchestra of Count Franz von Walsegg-Stuppach. He remained in this position for over a decade and also served as the Count's music director. During this time, Krommer composed a significant amount of music, including symphonies, string quartets, and chamber music. In 1795, Krommer left the Count's service and became the music director at the Cathedral of St. Vitus in Prague. He held this position for several years and composed a number of works for the cathedral, including masses, motets, and other sacred music. Krommer's music was highly regarded during his lifetime and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. His works were performed throughout Europe and he received numerous commissions from prominent patrons and institutions. Krommer's music is characterized by its melodic beauty, elegant harmonies, and skillful orchestration. His symphonies are particularly noteworthy for their use of wind instruments, which were often featured prominently in his compositions. Krommer was also known for his chamber music, including his string quartets and wind quintets, which were highly regarded for their technical virtuosity and expressive lyricism. Some of Krommer's most famous works include his Symphony No. 4 in C minor, Op. 102, his Clarinet Concerto in E-flat major, Op. 36, and his Wind Octet in E-flat major, Op. 57. His music was highly influential on later composers, including Beethoven and Schubert. Despite his success as a composer, Krommer struggled financially throughout his life. He was forced to take on numerous teaching positions and other musical jobs to make ends meet. Krommer died on January 8, 1831, in Vienna, at the age of 71. Today, Krommer's music continues to be performed and recorded by orchestras and ensembles around the world. His contributions to classical music have earned him a place among the great composers of his time and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.

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