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Antonin Reicha

(1770—1836)

{ Biography }

Antonin Reicha, who was born in Prague in 1770, lost his father at a young age and was adopted at the age of 11 by his uncle Joseph, who was himself married but childless. As a cellist and conductor, Joseph was one of the most respected musicians of his time and was consequently able to offer his nephew a sound, broad musical education. At the age of 15 Antonin joined the Electorate Maximilian's orchestra in Bonn as a flutist and violinist. In this position, Antonin played under the direction of his uncle and also befriended Beethoven. During this period he became acquainted both eith the works of the Mannheim School and the Viennese Classical School, as well as, and most importantly, French Opera. His great passion for wind instruments may well have begun at this time. Around 1790 Reicha met Haydn, who also visited Bonn while on his first journey to London. Following Reicha's first visit to Paris (1799-1802) he moved to Vienna and perfected his compositional technique under Haydn, Salieri and Albrechtsberger. At this time he also renewed his friendship with Beethoven. Reicha was unsuccessful with his opera, both in Vienna and Paris, despite the fact, that he was supported by noble benefactors, who included Empress Maria-Theresia. In spite of these failures, Reicha even refused a splendid offer as orchestra conductor in the court of Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia. Since the censor of 1806 banned the performance of the cantata "Leonore" on account of its text, Reicha went to Leipzig in order to perform Léonore there. However, the war prevented the performance, and he consequently returned to Vienna with unperformed works. In Vienna Reicha wrote over 50 compositions, primarily chamber music; and also earned a solid reputation for himself as an author of theoretical treaties. His final move to Paris in October 188 created only a minor effect in the world of opera and was not the success he had hoped. On the other hand, his instrumental works have had continual success, even into the present, especially his wind quintets. Reicha achieved wide renown as a teacher and was awarded a professorship at the Ecole Royale in 1818. With this, he became a member of the Comité d'Enseignement with Cherubini, Paér, Lesueur, Berton and Boieldieu.

Records by this composer at DIVOX

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Antonin Reicha

«Clarinet Quintets»