Kusser, Johann Siegmund

1657-1727

Also written Cousser. Hungarian musician and dramatic composer. Was the first man to introduce Italian singing methods into Germany and to raise the Hamburg Opera to its greatest prominence. He was born at Presburg, where he was first taught music by his father, and later studied six years with Lully in Paris. He then went to Stuttgart as chapelmaster, was in the service of the Bishop of Strasburg, and conducted the opera at Hamburg. He studied some in Italy between 1700 and 1705, then settled in London to teach singing, and finally in 1710 was made organist of the Christ's Church Cathedral in Dublin, conductor of the Viceroy's orchestra, and " master of the musick attending his Majesty's state in Ireland." He died at Dublin. He wrote many operas, the best being Erindo, Porus, Pyramus and Thisbe, ScipioAfricanus, and Jason; many operatic overtures; an ode on the death of Arabella Hunt; and a serenade.