Johann Baptist Wanhal (1739–1813)

Born in Bohemia into a peasant family, Jan Křtitel Vaňhal (Johann Baptist Wanhal in German) first trained as a village organist, then moved to Vienna in the early 1760s.

There he became one of the city’s most esteemed composers: his often dramatic symphonies circulated all over Europe. He moved in the Viennese musical circles of Haydn and Mozart.

Unusually for the time, he lived without a fixed court position, from his compositions and teaching. In the later part of his life he wrote a great deal for amateurs: sonatinas, rondos, variations and small pieces for the fortepiano, much enjoyed by middle-class families.

For students these pieces are an excellent introduction to the Viennese Classical style: short forms, clear melodies and writing that lies well under the fingers.