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Baroque Austrian

SCHMELZER, Johann Heinrich

Born in Scheibbs, Lower Austria, c.1620–23
Died in Prague, between 29 Feb and March 20, 1680

  • Schmelzer was a violinist and a composer who specialized in instrumental music, particularly sonatas and suites.
  • Schmelzer was employed in the Habsburg Imperial court, first as a violinist and eventually as Kapellmeister. He was the first Austrian to be appointed Kapellmeister at the Habsburg court (before him, the Habsburgs had hired Italian Kapellmeisters).1
  • The emperor made Schmelzer a member of the nobility in 1673, likely because of his fame and professional achievements. This was a rare achievement for Baroque musicians.2

Sources

  1. “Music and the Austrian Habsburgs,” Odyssey Traveller, accessed January 22, 2020, https://www.odysseytraveller.com/articles/music-and-the-austrian-habsburgs/.
  2. Rudolf Schnitzler, “Schmelzer [Schmeltzer, Schmelzer von Ehrenruef], Johann Heinrich,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed January 21, 2020,  https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000024921.

Pieces