FRANZ XAVER DUSSEK  

A pupil of Habermann in Prague and of Wagenseil in Vienna, František Xaver Dušek held an important place in Prague musical life; he was associated with Mozart on the occasion of the latter’s attendance there at performances of Le nozze di Figaro, the composition of Don Giovanni in 1787, and the staging in 1791 of La clemenza di Tito. His pupils included Leopold Kozeluch.

Orchestral Music

Dušek left some 37 symphonies and a number of concertos. They represent something of the transitional pre-Classical style, with occasional elements of the Baroque and of the maturer Classical developments of his time.

Keyboard Music

Dušek’s solo and duet keyboard sonatas reflect the style of his time and the gradual transition from harpsichord to piano.