A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Wranizky, Paul

WRANIZKY, Paul, conductor of the orchestra at the two Court Theatres at Vienna, and a popular composer of operas and instrumental music, born Dec. 30, 1756, at Neureusch in Moravia, was educated at the monastery close by, and at Iglau and Olmütz, where he perfected himself, especially in violin-playing. In 1776 he went to Vienna to study theology at the Imperial Seminary, and at once obtained a post as conductor. He then studied composition with Kraus, a Swedish composer then living in Vienna, and produced a number of new works which attracted notice. Towards the end of 1780 he became conductor of the court-theatres, and remained so till his death. He was also for many years capellmeister to Prince Lobkowitz. His operas were great favourites, and became known nearly throughout Germany. The one which was oftenest and longest performed was 'Oberon' (May 23, 1791), a serio-comic fairy opera, libretto adapted by Giesecke from Wieland, which at one time ran the 'Zauberflöte' hard. Special mention should also be made of 'Die gute Mutter,' comic opera (1795); 'Der Schreiner,' Singspiel (1799); 'Mitgefühl,' Liederspiel (1804); all produced at the court theatre, as were also many ballets, including:—'Die Weinlese,' 'Das Urtheil des Paris,' 'Der Sabinerraub,' all between 1794 and 1800. Gerber gives a detailed catalogue of Wranizky's operas, ballets, and instrumental music. Among his many works, mostly published by André in Paris and Vienna may be specified:—12 symphonies; string-quintets, quartets, and trios; 3 trios for 2 flutes and cello, op. 83; concertos for cello, op. 27, flute op. 24; and sonatas for pianoforte, violin, and cello. He also left much music in MS. His connection with the Tonkünstler-Societat must not be passed over. He entered it in 1793, and having become secretary undertook at Haydn's instigation to reorganise its affairs, then in a very bad state. In 1797 he completely effaced the difficulties which existed in 1779, when Haydn had thought of entering. Haydn had a great respect for him, both as a man and an artist, and expressly desired that he might lead the strings at the first performances of the 'Creation' and the 'Seasons.' Wranizky died in Vienna, Sept. 26, 1808.

[ C. F. P. ]