A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Beck, Franz

by Mary Catherine Hamilton

BECK, Franz, born at Mannheim 1731, died at Bourdeaux 1809, violinist and composer. When quite young he took refuge in Paris from the effects of a duel, and thence removed to Bourdeaux. Here he became director of a aeries of concerts (1780), and trained many eminent musicians; among others Blanchard and Bochsa. His compositions are excellent, though comparatively few in number. They comprise 24 Symphonies (1776); a 'Stabat Mater,' performed at the Concerts Spirituels in 1783; 'Pandore,' a melodrama (1789); a 'Gloria' and 'Credo'; MS. Sonatas for Pianoforte, and Quartets for Strings.

[ M. C. C. ]