Witt, Theodor de

1823-1855

Born in Wesel. His father, an organist, was his only teacher until he was sixteen years old. At this time Liszt became interested in the boy and made the way for him to continue his musical studies under Dehn in Berlin. He was only fairly started in his career as a musician when he was forced to go to Italy for his health. On condition that he study old church music he was given a government stipend. He lived but nine years after reaching Rome and during that time he edited the first volumes of Breitkopf and Hartel's complete edition of Palestrina's works and composed a few vocal pieces and a piano sonata.