Johann Christian Friedrich Haeffner

Full biography Johann Christian Friedrich Haeffner

Johann Christian Friedrich Haeffner was a German-Swedish composer , conductor, organist, choirmaster, and educator. He was born in Oberschnau, Germany, on March 2, 1759, and died on December 18, 1833, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Haeffner began his music studies in Oettingen, Germany, and later continued his studies in Stuttgart under Carl Eugen, Duke of Wurttemberg. In 1779, Haeffner moved to Strasbourg, France, where he worked as a choirmaster and organist. In 1786, he travelled to Stockholm, Sweden, where he was appointed Kapellmeister, or conductor, at the Royal Opera. He lived and worked in Sweden for the remainder of his life.

Haeffner composed a variety of works, including operas, ballets, orchestral works, and chamber music. He was particularly known for his operas, which were performed both in Sweden and in other countries. Some of his most famous operas include "Corregidor", "Cavalry Captain", and "Pacini's Niece". He also wrote a number of instrumental works, including symphonies, string quartets, and piano sonatas.

In addition to his work as a composer, Haeffner was also a teacher and educator. He founded the Stockholm Music Academy in 1787, which later became the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. Haeffner also served as the academy's first director, and he taught many of Sweden's most famous composers and musicians.

Overall, Johann Christian Friedrich Haeffner was an accomplished composer , conductor, teacher, and musical innovator, whose works continue to be performed and studied today.