| Naxos |
Franz Xaver Dussek was the most prominent composer of instrumental music in Prague during his lifetime. In addition to being a successful composer he was also a highly respected pianist and teacher. Like his compatriot Vanhal, he was the son of a peasant. He revealed his musical gifts at a very early age and through the patronage of Count Johann Spork was able to attend the Jesuit Gymnasium at Hradec Králové. He undertook further musical studies in Prague with Habermann and completed his training in Vienna with the harpsichord virtuoso and court composer Georg Christoph Wagenseil. Wagenseil was an influential figure in Viennese music. Dussek would have profited enormously from his time with Wagenseil not only as a keyboard player and composer but also, through his teacher’s good offices, by developing a network of influential contacts in aristocratic society, many of whom maintained large establishments in Prague as well as in Vienna.
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