Artist Info: Franz Xaver Süssmayr

Franz Xaver Süßmayr (English: Franz Xaver Suessmayr; b. 1766 in Schwanenstadt, d. September 17, 1803 in Vienna) was an Austrian composer.

He was born in Schwanenstadt, Austria, the son of a sacristan and teacher. His mother died when he was 6, and he left home at 13. He was a student and cantor in a Benedictine monastery (1779-1787) in Kremsmünster. When his voice changed, he became a member of the orchestra as a violinist.

The abbey performed operas and Singspiele [read more...]