A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Drechsler, Josef

by George Grove

DRECHSLER, Josef, a remarkable composer and teacher, born May 26, 1782, at Vlachovo Brezí in Bohemia; received his first instruction from his father, schoolmaster in his native place. After various alternations of place and pursuit, he studied music and law at Prague; in 1807 found himself at Vienna, but it was not till 1810 that he obtained employment as chorus-master at the Court Theatre. This was followed in 1812 by a place as 'Capellmeister adjunct,' then by an organist's post; in 1815 he opened a music school, and gradually won his way upwards, till in 22 he was chief Capellmeister at the theatre in the Leopoldstadt. On Gansbacher's death in 44 he became Capellmeister at S. Stephen's, a post which he retained till his death, Feb. 27, 1852. His industry during this chequered life was truly extraordinary. He left behind him books of instruction for the Organ, Harmony, Thorough Bass, and the art of Preluding, with a new edition of Pleyel's Clavier-school; 16 Masses, and a Requiem; 24 smaller pieces of choral music; 6 Operas; 25 shorter dramatic pieces (Singspiele) and pantomimes; 3 Cantatas, and a host of Airs, Sonatas, Fugues, Quartets, etc. To say that none of these have survived is to detract nothing from the activity and devotion of Josef Drechsler.

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