!!!Schmelzer, Johann Heinrich

b. Scheibbs (Lower Austria), around 1620, 
d. Prague (Czech Republic), between Feb. 29 and March 20, 1680 (plague 
victim). Violinist, composer. Important instrumental composer before 
H. I. F.  Biber, of special importance for the development 
of the sonata and suite. Was admitted into the court orchestra 
(Hofmusikkapelle) as a violinist around 1635; in 1671 vice-director 
and in 1679 director of the court orchestra. Of his 3 sons, who all 
were musicians, the eldest, Andreas Anton S. (1653-1701), was the most 
important. With G. F. Sances, A.  Bertali and A.  Draghi S. was 
one of the leading musicians of the imperial court under 
Ferdinand III and Leopold I; the latter's instrumental style 
was greatly influenced by his sonatas and ballet music.

!Works
About 150 ballet suites (among others for M. A. Cesti's 
opera "II pomo d´oro", 1667/68); 3 Sepolcri; instrumental works 
(4 printed collections of sonatas, 1659-1667), vocal works, church 
music.



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