Hiller, Johann Adam

1728-1804

The originator of the German operetta or singspiel. He was born in Wendisch-Ossig, near Gorlitz in Prussia, son of a schoolmaster and parish clerk. It was due to his beautiful soprano voice that he won a scholarship in the Gymnasium at Gorlitz. At the Kreuz School in Dresden he studied the harpsichord and thorough-bass under Homilius. In 1751 he entered for a course of law at Leipsic Conservatory, where he earned his way by teaching music and by taking part in concerts as flutist or singer, and here he began his work as an author and composer. He next became a tutor in the home of Count Brühl, going with his pupil to Leipsic, where he resigned his position as tutor and gave his time to concert music and to literature. In 1763 he was director of the Liehaber concerts, and in 1771 he founded a school which aided in the formation of good choir for concerts; to support this institution he gave performances of Handel's and Graun's oratorios. Hiller was, in 1789, precentor of St. Thomas School, retained this position until 1801 and also gave private instruction. Well known among his pupils were Corona Schroter and the Fodleski sisters, who induced him to go to Mitau in 1782. Here he won the esteem of the Duke of Courland, who established a band, made HiJler leader, and pensioned him.

His compositions show the influence of Hasse and Graun, whose operas and sacred compositions he studied thoroughly and even copied scores of several of Hasse's operas, but his originality was shown in the series of operetta or singspiel he wrote. While an outgrowth of the French operetta, he put the stamp of his own individuality and of the German style upon thenij and will always hold his place in history as the originator of the German Singspiel. They were The Village Barber; The Harvest Wreath; Love in the Country; Lottie at Court; and The Chase. They combine Italian beauty and German solidity. Others of his compositions are a. setting of the 100th Psalm; a Passion cantata: funeral music in honor of Hasse; symphonies, and partitas. He edited Weisse's Songs for Children; a choral book; and cantatas.