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Johann AntonGerman violinist, composer and music publisher
Date of Birth: 06.10.1775
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- An Illustrious Musician: Johann Anton André
- Business Acumen and the Mozart Legacy
- Musical Compositions
- Later Years and Legacy
An Illustrious Musician: Johann Anton André
Early Life and EducationBorn in Offenbach on October 6, 1775, Johann Anton André exhibited musical talent from a young age. He honed his skills on the violin under the tutelage of Ferdinand Frenzel and studied composition with Folweiler of Mannheim. After attending university in Jena, André embarked on extensive concert tours.
Business Acumen and the Mozart Legacy
Upon his father's passing, André assumed the leadership of the family publishing house in Offenbach. His astute business practices and the publication of his own popular compositions revitalized the company. In 1799, André made a monumental acquisition: the bulk of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's musical works from his widow, Constanze.
The collection included over 270 autographs, including operas like "The Marriage of Figaro" and "The Magic Flute," string quartets, concertos, and the beloved "Eine kleine Nachtmusik." André's publishing house meticulously edited and published these works, often for the first time, earning him the nickname "Father of Mozart Research."
Musical Compositions
Despite his business endeavors, André remained an active composer. By 1800, he had written around 70 pieces, and his total output exceeded 100.
Later Years and Legacy
André passed away on April 5, 1842, in Offenbach. His contributions to German and global music were significant, as noted in the early 20th century Brokhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary:
>André's works encompass a wide range, including opera, symphonies, concertos, sonatas, and chamber music. His compositions are known for their elegance, charm, and technical skill.
