A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Haessler, Johann

HAESSLER, Johann Wilhelm, born Mar. 29, 1747, at Erfurt, received his first musical instruction from his uncle, the organist Kittel, who had been a pupil of Sebastian Bach's. At the age of 14 he was appointed organist of the Barfüsserkirche. His father, who was a capmaker, insisted on apprenticing him to his own trade, and on his commercial travels he became acquainted with the great musicians of his time, besides giving lessons and concerts. In 1780 he started winter concerts in Erfurt, and at the same time gave up his business. From 1790 to 1794 he spent his time in concert tours, being especially successful in London and St. Petersburg. In the former he played a concerto of Mozart's, on May 30, 1792. In 1794 he took up his residence in Moscow, where he died, March 25, 1822. Many compositions for pianoforte and organ, as well as songs, are mentioned by Gerber in his Lexicon. (Mendel's Lexicon.)