Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf

Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf (1739-1799) was a prominent, famous, and widely published Austrian composer of the 18th century. Although well known, Ditters' professional life was complicated; he served in theater orchestras in Vienna and survived one failed court appointment before joining Count Gotthard von Schaffgotisch at Castle Johannisberg; the honorific "von Dittersdorf" was bestowed upon him by Empress Maria Theresa in 1772. Following a leave of absence in Vienna in 1785, Ditters balked at returning to his patron. Dismissed in 1788, Ditters worked in straitened circumstances at Castle Johannisberg until the Count died in 1795; Ditters later died in poverty.