Franz Xaver Süßmayr facts for kids

Franz Xaver Süßmayr (also spelled Süssmayr) was an Austrian composer. He was born in Schwanenstadt, Austria, in 1766 and died in Vienna on September 17, 1803. People often remember him for finishing Mozart’s famous Requiem music, which Mozart had not completed before he passed away.

Early Life and Education

Franz Xaver Süßmayr's father was a sacristan (someone who looks after a church) and a teacher. His mother died when he was only six years old. When he was 13, he left home to study at a Benedictine monastery in Kremsmünster.

While at the monastery, Süßmayr learned a lot about music. When his voice changed, he joined the orchestra there as a violinist.

Musical Training and Compositions

The monastery often put on operas and Singspiele (German operas with spoken parts). This gave Süßmayr a great chance to study the works of famous composers like Christoph Willibald Gluck and Antonio Salieri. During his time at the monastery, he wrote many pieces for the stage and a lot of church music.

After 1787, Süßmayr moved to Vienna and became a student of the well-known composer Antonio Salieri. In 1792, he also became the vice-director and a composer at the Kärntnertortheater, an important theater in Vienna.

Working with Mozart

Süssmayr helped Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1791 by copying out the music for two of Mozart's operas: La clemenza di Tito and Die Zauberflöte.

Later that same year, Mozart died. He had not finished writing his important piece of music called the Requiem. Süßmayr took on the task of completing it. He then gave the finished work to Constanze, Mozart’s widow.

Later Success and Final Years

Süssmayr continued to compose Singspiele, which were very popular. He became the Kapellmeister (music director) at the National Theater. From this time until about 1800, he was very successful and well-liked in Vienna's music world.

However, Süßmayr became very ill with tuberculosis, a serious lung disease. He had to stop working because of his illness. He passed away three years later in 1803.

Images for kids

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  A handwritten copy of Süßmayr's music piece Perché mai ben mio.

See also

In Spanish: Franz Xaver Süssmayr para niños