Josepha Barbara Auernhammer facts for kids

Josepha Barbara Auernhammer (born September 25, 1758 – died January 30, 1820) was a talented Austrian pianist and composer. She was well-known in her time for her amazing piano playing and for writing her own music.

Early Life and Musical Training

Josepha Auernhammer was born in Vienna, Austria. She was one of many children in her family. Her family was musical, which helped her start her own journey in music.

She was lucky enough to study with some very famous musicians. Her teachers included Georg Friedrich Richter and Leopold Koželuch. Most notably, she also learned from the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Playing with Mozart

Mozart was very impressed with Josepha's piano skills. He even wrote some music especially for her! They often performed together, playing pieces that needed two pianists or even four hands on one piano.

In 1781, Mozart wrote about her playing. He said she played "delightfully," meaning she was very good. He also dedicated some of his violin sonatas to her. These were important pieces of music.

A Talented Performer and Teacher

Josepha Auernhammer became a very popular concert pianist in Vienna. Many people admired her performances. She also taught piano to others, sharing her musical knowledge.

She helped check the printed versions of some of Mozart's sonatas. This shows how much Mozart trusted her musical ear and knowledge. She and Mozart played together often. One famous performance was in November 1781. They played Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos and a Double Concerto.

Later Life and Performances

After her father passed away, Mozart helped Josepha find a place to live. In 1786, she married Johann Bessenig. They had four children together.

Josepha continued to perform regularly. She played in private concerts and at the famous Burgtheater in Vienna. She was one of the first people to perform Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1. She played it soon after he finished writing it in 1801.

Her last public concert was in 1813. She performed with her daughter, Marianna Auenheim. Marianna also became a well-known musician, teaching voice and playing the piano.

Her Compositions

Josepha Auernhammer mostly wrote music for the piano. She was especially known for her "variations." These are pieces where a main tune is played in many different ways. Her music showed her deep understanding of piano techniques. It also showed how cleverly she used the instrument.

Josepha Barbara Auernhammer passed away in Vienna in 1820. She was buried in St. Marx Cemetery.