Sussmayer, Franz Xaver

1766-1803

 

Austrian composer and conductor. Born at Steyer. Died at Vienna. He was educated at the Monastery of Kremsmunster, studying music under Pasterwitz, and later under Salieri and Mozart, whose intimate friend he became. He was made conductor of the National Theatre in 1792 and composer in 1794, and conductor of the Court Theatre in 1795. Many of his operas were brought out at Vienna. He is also the composer of Der Retter in Gefahr, given to enthuse the volunteers for the war of 1796; Adriadne a Nassos, and several other cantatas; and some churchmusic; but he is chiefly remembered for the aid he gave Mozart in scoring Titus and other works, and completing the Requiem according to the directions given him by Mozart the night before his death.