Václav Pichl

As a Czech student of music, Pichl was taught music by Pokorny and counterpoint by Seger at Tyn. He served in various capacities -- primarily as a violinist -- in Prague, Milan, and Vienna. Because of his skills as a composer, for which he was well known, Pichl made the acquaintances of Martini. Cherubini and Reichardt and also served Prince Esterhazy's interests in Milan. The influence of Haydn can be heard in his many works, over nine hundred pieces. He was noted not only for his musical compositions but for writing Lain texts for operas, translating the libretto of "Die Zauberflote" and contributing information to Dlabac's "Kunstler-Lexikon." Both Dittersdorf and Haydn affected Pichl's compositions. His symphonies were arranged in either three or four movements occasionally employing a slow first movement. Pichl developed his vital first themes as well as his lyric secondary themes with chromatics and emotive harmonies. If one wants to play the works of Bach they should consider approaching them through the works of Pichl whose solo violin works are exceptional considering their teaching dynamics. ~ Keith Johnson