A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Mayseder, Joseph

MAYSEDER, Joseph, violinist and composer, son of a poor painter, born in Vienna, Oct. 26, 1789. Beginning at 8, he learnt the violin from Suche and Wranitzky. Schuppanzigh took a great interest in the lad, and entrusted him with the second violin in his quartets. In 1800 he gave his first concert in the Augarten with brilliant success. He rapidly made his way with the court and nobility, and among musicians. In 1816 he entered the court chapel, in 1820 became solo-violin at the court theatre, and in 1835 was appointed chamber-violinist to the Emperor. The municipality awarded him the large gold 'Salvator Medal' in 1811, and presented him with the freedom of the city in 1817. In 1862 the Emperor bestowed on him the order of Franz-Joseph. In 1815 he gave, with Hummel (afterwards replaced by Moscheles) and Giuliani, the so-called 'Dukaten-concerte.' He also gave concerts with Merk the cellist, but after 1837 he never appeared in public. He never played abroad; even on his visit to Paris in 1820, he would only play before a select circle of artists, including Kreutzer, Baudiot, Cherubini, Habeneck, Lafont, and Viotti. He took a great interest in the string-quartet party which met at Baron Zmeskall's house (where Beethoven was often present), and afterwards in that at Prince Constantine Czartoryski's (from 1843 to 56). His many pupils spread his name far and wide. His tone was peculiarly fascinating, and his execution had great breadth and elevation of style. With the exception of a grand mass he composed only chamber music of a style similar to his playing. He published 63 works, including concertos, polonaises, variations, 5 quintets and 8 quartets for strings, études and duets for violin, 4 trios, sonatas, etc. for P.F., trio for violin, harp, and horn, etc. Mayseder died universally respected Nov. 21, 1863.

[ C. F. P. ]