Kotzeluch, Leopold Anton

1754-1818

Bohemian dramatic and instrumental composer and teacher, chiefly known for his connection with Mozart. He was born at Welwarn, in Bohemia, and in 1765 went to Prague to study law. In 1771 he composed a phenomenally successful ballet, and during the following six years produced twenty-four other ballets and three pantomimes. In 1778 he went to Vienna, and became a favorite teacher. In 1781 the Archbishop of Salzburg offered him Mozart's position in his service, with a larger salary than that of Mozart, but Kotzeluch refused the offer on grounds of his regard for the master, though he had previously shown no very kindly feelings toward him. However, he accepted the position in 1792, and was Court composer from that time until his death, which occurred in 1818, though some authorities have disputed this date in favor of 1814. He was a brilliant pianist, though his compositions are mostly forgotten at present. He composed two grand operas, Judith, and Debpra and Sisara; other operas, including Le Mazet, and Didone abbandonata; an oratorio, Moses in Egypt; thirty symphonies; fifty concertos for the piano; ballets; cantatas; and an arrangement of Scotch songs.