Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

1766

Death

:

September 17, 1803 in Vienna, Austria

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Franz Xaver Süssmayr was a classical music composer born on January 18, 1766, in Schwanenstadt, Austria. He was the son of a schoolmaster and organist, and his father was his first music teacher. Süssmayr showed an early talent for music, and by the age of 14, he was already composing his own works. In 1783, Süssmayr moved to Vienna to study music with the famous composer Johann Georg Albrechtsberger. While in Vienna, Süssmayr became friends with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was impressed by Süssmayr's musical abilities. Mozart took Süssmayr under his wing and became his mentor, teaching him composition and introducing him to the musical world of Vienna. Süssmayr worked closely with Mozart on several of his compositions, including the Requiem Mass in D minor. Mozart had started work on the Requiem but died before he could finish it. Süssmayr was asked by Mozart's widow to complete the work, and he did so, using Mozart's notes and sketches to finish the composition. The Requiem is now considered one of Mozart's greatest works, and Süssmayr's contribution to its completion is widely recognized. Süssmayr also composed several works of his own, including operas, symphonies, and chamber music. His most famous work is his Symphony in C major, which is still performed today. The symphony is known for its lively and energetic melodies, and it showcases Süssmayr's talent for orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Süssmayr was also a respected music teacher. He taught at the Vienna Conservatory and had several notable students, including Franz Schubert. Süssmayr died on September 17, 1803, at the age of 37. Despite his relatively short life, he left behind a significant body of work that continues to be performed and appreciated today. His contributions to Mozart's Requiem are particularly noteworthy, and his Symphony in C major remains one of the most popular works of the classical music repertoire.

More....