Composer. An important figure of the Classical era, he was born in Prague but lived in Italy most of his life. He composed 85 symphonies and 26 operas, and is credited with inventing the string quintet. In 1770 Myslivecek met 14 year-old Wolfgang Mozart and had a profound influence on his melodic style; Mozart adored not only Myslivecek's music but the man as well, telling his father, "He exudes fire, spirit and life". Unluckily for Myslivecek, his fun-loving personality led to his contracting syphilis. He lost half his nose to the disease, and the rest was removed in a barbaric operation from which he never recovered. He died impoverished in Rome.
Composer. An important figure of the Classical era, he was born in Prague but lived in Italy most of his life. He composed 85 symphonies and 26 operas, and is credited with inventing the string quintet. In 1770 Myslivecek met 14 year-old Wolfgang Mozart and had a profound influence on his melodic style; Mozart adored not only Myslivecek's music but the man as well, telling his father, "He exudes fire, spirit and life". Unluckily for Myslivecek, his fun-loving personality led to his contracting syphilis. He lost half his nose to the disease, and the rest was removed in a barbaric operation from which he never recovered. He died impoverished in Rome.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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