Simon Sechter

As a teacher of counterpoint and theory at the Vienna Conservatory, Sechter taught a number of famed students including Schubert (one lesson), Vieuxtemps, Nottebohm, Thalberg and Bruckner. (Bruckner assumed this position when Sechter retired.) He composed over eight thousand pieces a comparative few of which were published and which are extant. The genres of this massive effort included operas, oratorios, settings for folk songs, masses, psalms and numerous piano works. The most important part of Sechter's legacy were his theoretical writings including "Die Grunsatz der musikalischen Komposition" a three volume work. Historically Sechter was perhaps the most prolific composer. Reportedly he would compose at least one fugue every day. The works which survive include an opera, "Ali Hitsch-Hatsch" and a chorus composed for Schiller's "Die Braut von Messina." ~ Keith Johnson