Before his death in 1786, Franz Benda estimated that he had accompanied Frederick the Great in over 10,000 concerts.
Composer Biography
Franz Benda remained faithfully by Frederick the Great's side even as other musicians left the court, conducting the orchestra at Frederick's last concert in 1779.
Historical Context
Concerts for Frederick the Great were often held in secret in cellar vaults or deep in the forest, as the king did not view them favorably.
Compositional Technique
Franz Benda is considered the founder of the German violin school, a counterpart to the Italian string tradition, and his Capricci for solo violin are part of the basic repertoire.
Critical Reception
Contemporaries praised Franz Benda's playing, with one colleague stating that when Benda played an Adagio, "eternal wisdom seems to be speaking from Heaven above."
Composer Biography
Franz Benda, a Bohemian musician, was recruited into the future monarch Frederick the Great's orchestra in 1733, against his strict father's wishes.
Composer Biography
Franz Benda, known for his humor and expressive violin playing, became a special favorite of Frederick the Great and was also admired for his unusually beautiful voice.
