Johann Gottfried Schicht (Composer, Thomaskantor)

Born: September 29, 1753 - Reichenau, Zittau, Germany
Died: February 16, 1823 - Leipzig, Saxony, Germany

The German conductor and composer, Johann Gottfried Schicht, owed his education to an uncle; went to Leipzig University in 1776, intending to study law, but gradually adopted music, and was soon chosen by Johann Adam Hiller as solo clavier-player at his concerts.

On Hiller's retirement Johann Gottfried Schicht succeeded him as musical director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus concerts in 1785. In 1802 he founded the Singakademie. At length in he 1810 rose to the head of his profession as Kantor of the Thomasschule. He died, leaving many large works (three oratorios, much church and chamber music). He is especially remembered for his Allgemeine Choralbuch (1819). He also left a translation of the Pianoforte Schools of Pleyel and Clementi, and of Pellegrini-Celoni's Singing Method, etc., but his most important legacy was an edition of J.S. Bach's motets (B. & H. 1802-1803).

Source: Grove Concise Dictionary of Music (© 1994 by Oxford University Press); Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians (1952 Edition, by Sir Gerorge Grove)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (September 2005, February 2006)

Thomaskantors: Thomanerchor Leipzig | Gewandhausorchester Leipzig | General Discussions: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Thomaskirche Leipzig: Church Services, Motets & Concerts

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