Jan Václav Hugo Voříšek – Sheet Music

Jan Václav Hugo Voříšek (1791–1825) was one of the most important composers of Czech classical music in Vienna. First known as a pianist, and later as a composer, browse our sheet music and scores, and explore all his wonderful music today!

Vienna

In 1813 Voříšek moved to Vienna to study law. The following year, in 1814 he met Beethoven, whose music he greatly admired. Voříšek’s friends in Vienna also included other important artists, like Johann Nepomuk Hummel and above all Franz Schubert. In 1822 he was appointed Imperial Organist to the Court in Vienna. Unfortunately, his extremely promising career was suddenly cut short, and he died of tuberculosis at the young age of 34.

Music

Despite only producing 24 Opuses, Voříšek’s work is well respected for its artistic quality. Bedřich Smetana, the godfather of Czech Classical Music, drew inspiration for his piano impromptus, rhapsodies and fantasies directly from Voříšek. His greatest composition is his splendid Symphony in D Major, composed in 1821, which is very progressive, containing early romantic elements. Voříšek was also championed for his choral music, his outstanding Missa Solemnis in B flat Major was performed annually at the Imperial Court in Vienna until the end of the 19th century.

More Czech Links

• Czech Baroque Music
• Czech Music from the Classical Period
• Czech Romantic Music