 |
Josef MyslevechekCzech composer and conductor. He anticipated W. A. Mozart in many ways.
Date of Birth: 09.03.1737
Country:  Czech |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Musical Beginnings
- Operatic Success in Italy
- Influence on Mozart
- Later Life and Legacy
- Musical Output
- Literary and Musical Tributes
Early Life and Education
Born in Prague in 1737, Josef Mysliveček was raised by his stepfather in a mill after his father's death. He initially pursued a career in milling, but later returned to music, studying with Franz Habermann and Josef Seger.
Musical Beginnings
In 1762, Mysliveček published six symphonies, demonstrating his early compositional abilities. With financial support, he traveled to Venice in 1763 for further instruction under Giovanni Battista Pescetti.
Operatic Success in Italy
Mysliveček's first opera, "Semiramide," premiered in Bergman in 1765. His breakthrough came with "Bellerofonte" in Naples in 1767, which featured the renowned singer Caterina Gabrielli. He became known as "Il Boemo" (the Bohemian) and later "Il divino Boemo" (the Divine Bohemian).
Influence on Mozart
In 1770, Mysliveček met the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Bologna, and their friendship lasted until 1778. Mysliveček's influence on Mozart was significant, and some of his works were later attributed to Mozart, including the oratorio "Abraham and Isaac."
Later Life and Legacy
Mysliveček spent the majority of his life in Italy, with occasional trips abroad. His operas "Armida" and "Medonte" failed in 1780, causing financial and health problems. He died in Rome in 1781.
Musical Output
Mysliveček's prolific output includes 26 operas, symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and sacred works. Notable compositions include his "Passione di Gesu Cristo," the oratorio "Abraham and Isaac," and his role as a promoter of Christoph Willibald Gluck's operas.
Literary and Musical Tributes
Mysliveček's life has inspired several literary works and the opera "Il divino Boemo" by Stanislav Suda (1912). His music continues to be performed and appreciated for its lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity.
