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Christian WeisseGerman poet and writer
Date of Birth: 28.01.1726
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Theatrical Beginnings
- Literary Career
- Comic Operas and Comedies
- Children's Literature
- Later Years and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Christian Felix WeisseChristian Felix Weisse was born in Annaberg, Germany. His father was a jurist named Christian Ernst, and his grandfather was a philosopher named Christian Hermann. In 1745, Weisse began studying philology at the University of Leipzig.
Theatrical Beginnings
While in Leipzig, Weisse befriended Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and began writing for the German theater. His first play, "Die Matrone zu Ephesus," was a comedic critique of moral decay.
Literary Career
In 1750, Weisse obtained a position as tutor to Graf von Geyersberg. During this period, he published "Scherzhafte Lieder" (Humorous Songs) in 1758, "Bibliothek der schönen Wissenschaften and freien Künste" (Library of Fine Arts and Free Arts) in 1760, and "Amazonenlieder" (Songs of the Amazons) in 1761.
Comic Operas and Comedies
From 1763, Weisse wrote comic operas for the Koch theater in Leipzig, including "Die Jagd" (The Hunt) and "Der Erntekranz" (The Harvest Wreath). He also wrote a series of comedies that gained success, including "Die Liebe auf dem Lande" (Love in the Country).
Children's Literature
In 1774, Weisse shifted his focus to writing for children. His "Lieder fur Kinder" (Songs for Children) and "A-b-c-Buch" (ABC Book) became widely read. He also published "Kinderfreund" (Friend of Children) from 1775 to 1782 and "Briefwechsel der Familie des Kinderfreundes" (Correspondence of the Family of the Friend of Children) from 1783 to 1792.
Later Years and Legacy
Weisse died in Dresden in 1804. His other notable works include "Lusstpiele" (Comedies), "Komische Opern" (Comic Operas), and "Lyrische Gedichte" (Lyrical Poems). His autobiography was published by Christian Ernst Weise and Frisch in 1806.
In 1826, a 100-year jubilee was celebrated in Annaberg and Leipzig to commemorate Weisse's birth. The Christian Felix Weisse School was founded in Annaberg in his honor.
