From The Grove Concise Dictionary of Music
| Born | Čáslav, 12 Feb 1760 |
|---|---|
| Died | StGermain-en-Laye or Paris, 20 March 1812 |
| Nationality | Bohemian |
| Occupation | pianist |
| After studying in Prague he toured widely, gaining a brilliant reputation; he was Kapellmeister to Prince Radziwill for two years, then worked in Paris, 1786-9. In 1789-99 he lived in London, much in demand as teacher and performer; he became a partner in his father-in-law’s music publishing firm (Corri, Dussek & Co.), but fled to the Continent when it ran into debt. In 1804-6 he was Kapellmeister to the Prince of Prussia, on whose death (1806) he wrote the piano sonata Elégie harmonique . He briefly served Prince Isenburg, then worked again in Paris.
Dussek’s reputation as a composer faded rapidly and unjustly. Foremost in his output are over 40 piano sonatas, ca. 12 piano concertos and many chamber works (most with piano). The early works are classical in style, but those after ca. 1790 show Romantic traits anticipating Schubert, Chopin and others and piano writing of an especially virtuoso character. He also wrote lighter piano pieces, harp music and a keyboard method (1796). Dussek was one of a family of musicians. His father Jan (1738-1818) was an organist and composer; his brother Franz Benedict (1766-after 1816) composed operas, an oratorio and chamber works in Italy; and his sister Katerina Veronika [Cianchettini] (1769-1833) was a singer, pianist, harpist and composer. His wife Sophia (1775-1847) worked in London as a singer, pianist and harpist. |