Franz Ignaz Beck | |
|---|---|
 Franz Ignaz Beck c. 1795 | |
| Born | 20 February 1734 |
| Died | 31 December 1809 (aged 75) Bordeaux, France |
| Occupations |
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| Organizations | Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux |
Franz Ignaz Beck (20 February 1734 – 31 December 1809) was a German violinist, composer, conductor and music teacher who spent the greater part of his life in France, where he became director of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux.[1] Possibly the most talented pupil of Johann Stamitz, Beck is an important representative of the second generation of the so-called Mannheim school. His fame rests on his 24 symphonies that are among the most original and striking of the pre-Classical period. He was one of the first composers to introduce the regular use of wind instruments in slow movements and put an increasing emphasis on thematic development. His taut, dramatic style is also remarkable for its employment of bold harmonic progressions, flexible rhythms and highly independent part writing.[2]
- ^ See Entry “Franz Ignaz Beck” in (Badley 2005), (Blume 1949–1987), (Slonimsky 1958). Particularly helpful is the lengthy essay on Beck by Robert Sondheimer in: (Blume 1949–1987).
- ^ "This favourable judgment on Beck's symphonies is by musicologist Barry S. Brook. The quote is from the online version of the booklet of the NAXOS recording of Beck Six Symphonies Op. 1". Archived from the original on 17 August 2009. Retrieved 20 March 2010.