Jan Francisci

Full biography Jan Francisci

Jan Francisci (3 September 1734 – 20 April 1780), also known as Johann Franz Xaver, was an 18th-century Austrian composer. Born in Graz, he served as a director of music in various churches and courts throughout Austria. He was a prolific composer, producing several works for orchestras, chamber ensembles, and choir.

Francisci's work is characterized by its Baroque style and grandeur. His compositions often feature intricate melodies and harmonies, with a particular emphasis on the use of counterpoint. He was greatly influenced by the music of his time, including the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi.

One of his most famous works is the Missa Solemnis in D Minor, which was composed in 1768. This piece, scored for choir, soloists, and orchestra, showcases Francisci's talent for creating grand, complex choral arrangements. The work is often described as a masterpiece of Baroque choral music and remains popular in performance today.

Despite his success as a composer, Francisci's life was cut short by illness at the age of 46. Nevertheless, his legacy as a composer continues to be celebrated, with many of his works remaining popular and inspiring to musicians around the world.