A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Danzi, Franz

by Mary Catherine Hamilton

DANZI, Franz, composer and violoncellist, born at Mannheim 1763 [App. p.608 "May 15"], studied chiefly under his father, first violoncellist to the Elector Palatine, and in composition under the Abbé Vogler. At 15 he was admitted into the Elector's band. In 1778 the band was transferred to Munich, and there Danzi produced his first opera 'Azakiah' in 1780, which was followed by 'Der Kuss,' 'Iphigenia,' and others. In 1790 he married Marguerite Marchand, a distinguished singer, and in the following year started with her on a professional tour which lasted six years. At Prague and Leipsic he conducted the performances by Guardassoni's Italian company, and his wife was especially successful in the parts of Susanna in 'Le Nozze di Figaro,' and Caroline, and Nina, in 'Il Matrimonio Segreto.' They were also favourably received in Italy, especially at Venice and Florence. In 1797 they returned to Munich, where Mdme. Danzi died in 1799. Her husband soon after resigned his post of vice-chapel-master to the Elector. In 1807 he was appointed chapel-master to the King of Würtemberg, but was soon compelled to leave Stuttgart on account of the political changes in that part of Germany. He then became chapel-master at Carlsruhe, where he remained till his death in 1826 [App. p.608 "April 13"]. He composed 11 operas, besides a mass of orchestral, chamber, and church music. For list see Fétis. None of it has survived. He was a sound musician, but strained too much after orchestral effects. He was an excellent teacher of singing, and his 'Singing Exercises' were used for long after his death and form his most permanent work.

[ M. C. C. ]