Person details

Vojtěch Jírovec

Adalbert Gyrowetz

Jírovec, Vojtěch (1763-1850). Czech composer and teacher. Son of the director of the chorus in the Cathedral in České Budějovice. He studied philosophy and law in Prague and was initially employed as secretary and director of music to a local Count in his home town. His success in composition and music making encouraged him to travel to Vienna, where he quickly established himself as an important local composer. He later travelled to Italy and also to London. In 1804 he became director of the court theatre in Vienna. The remainder of his life was passed in that city. His compositions include many operas, ballets and incidental music, symphonies, intrumental work and church music. Lumír 13/7/1854 related in a brief biographical note: ‘Jírovec (Gyrowetz), born 1767 in Budějovice, man of great education who was occupied for a long time in the service of the state as secretary to the Royal embassy in Munich etc. He lived in friendly association with the most celebrated musicians of his age and left an unusually abundant legacy of compositions, among which are over 10 operas and many concerti, quartets, symphonies and songs etc. He was a great friend of his native landabout which he never spoke without feeling.’