Person details

Jan August Vitásek

Jan Matyáš Nepomuk Witasek Wittassek

Vitásek, Jan August (1770-1839). Czech composer and music teacher. Demonstrated particular musical talent in youth and was taught piano and counterpoint respectively by F.X. Dušek and by J.A. Koželuh. Although he trained in law and worked as an official for both aristocratic Lobkovic and Nostic families he was also very active as a musican. In 1814 he became kapelník at St Vitus Cathedral. He helped found the Society for the Advancement of Music in Bohemia and was the first director of the Prague Organ School (1830-1839). His compositions comprise many works for the piano, some chamber and orchestra music, and much church music.