Jansa, Leopold

1794-1875

Bohemian violinist and teacher. Studied music with Jahada and Zizius in his native town, Wildenschwest. His father intended him to be a lawyer, and sent him to Vienna to study, but, abandoning the law, he studied the violin under Worzischek and composition under Forster. Was made chamber-musician to Count Von Brunswick of Hungary in 1823; joined the Imperial band in 1824, and was placed at the head of music in Vienna University in 1834. He lost his position in 1849, and was banished for helping in a concert in London to benefit the Hungarian insurgents. He therefore stayed in London until 1868, teaching and appearing in concerts.  He lived for seven years after his return to Vienna, dying in that city. He was a good violinist and teacher, but not original in composition. Among his works are concertos for violin and orchestra; a two-violin concertant; quartets and trios, for stringed instruments; duets for violins; and some sacred vocal music.