Joseph Martin Kraus

Joseph Martin Kraus (20 June 1756 – 15 December 1792), was a German-Swedish composer in the Classical era who was born in Miltenberg am Main, Germany. He moved to Sweden at age 21, and died at the age of 36 in Stockholm. He has been referred to as "the Swedish Mozart", and had a life span very similar to Mozart's. Kraus displayed musical talent early in his life, receiving rigorous musical training in Mannheim. Kraus initially studied law at the University of Mainz, but eventually focused on music and literature at the University of Erfurt. He became increasingly involved with the Sturm und Drang movement, which influenced both his writing and his music. In 1778, Kraus moved to Stockholm and, after some initial struggles, was appointed vice-Kapellmeister of the Royal Swedish Opera and director of the Royal Academy of Music. He embarked on a five-year Grand Tour of Europe, where he met prominent musicians and composers like Gluck, Haydn, and Mozart. Returning to Stockholm in 1787, Kraus became an influential figure in Swedish music as an innovative conductor, progressive pedagogue, and multi-talented composer. Kraus's music is characterized by dramatic contrasts in register, character, and harmony. His symphonies and chamber music works are known for their originality, and his contrapuntal abilities were highly regarded. He passed away from tuberculosis in 1792, but his music continues to be appreciated and celebrated for its unique style and impact on the classical music world.

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