A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Krommer, Franz

by Franz Gehring

KROMMER, Franz, violinist and composer, born 1759 [App. p.693 "Dec. 5"] at Kamenitz in Moravia; learned music from an uncle, then Choirmaster at Turas. From 17 to 25 he acted as organist, and composed much church music, still unpublished. He next entered the band of Count Styrum^[1] at Simonthurn in Hungary as violinist, and in two years was promoted to the Capellmeistership. Here he became acquainted with the works of Haydn and Mozart; and composed his pieces for wind-instruments, which are of lasting importance, and perceptibly influenced modern military music. After one or two more changes he at length became Capellmeister to Prince Grassalkowitz, after whose death he lived comfortably in Vienna, enjoying a considerable reputation as a teacher and composer. The sinecure post of doorkeeper to the Emperor was conferred upon him, and in 1818 he succeeded Kozeluch as Court Capellmeister and Composer, in which capacity he accompanied the Emperor Francis to France and Italy. He died suddenly Jan. 8, 1831, while composing a pastoral mass. As a composer he was remarkable for productiveness, and for a clear and agreeable style, most observable perhaps in his string-quartets and quintets, published at Vienna, Offenbach, and Paris. This made him a great favourite in Vienna at the close of the century. Schubert however, who as a boy of eleven had to play his Symphonies in the band of the 'Convict,' used to laugh at them, and preferred those of Kozeluch. Both are alike forgotten. Krommer also composed a number of quartets and quintets for flutes, besides the pieces for wind-instruments already mentioned. The only one of his church works printed is a mass in 4 parts with orchestra and organ (André, Offenbach). Had he not been the contemporary of Haydn and Mozart he might have enjoyed more enduring popularity.

[ F. G. ]

1. Fétis and Mendel call him Ayrum by mistake.