Joseph Martin Kraus

20 June 1756, Miltenberg am Main, Germany – 15 December 1792, Stockholm

Joseph Martin Kraus was a composer in the classical era. Born in Germany, he moved to Sweden at age 21, and died at the age of 36 in Stockholm. He is sometimes referred to as „the Swedish Mozart„, and had a life span which was very similar to that of Mozart’s.

Joseph Martin Kraus – Concerto in E-flat major for Viola & Orchestra, VB 153c Tapiola Sinfonietta, Conductor: Janne Nisonen

Kraus was appointed vice-Kapellmeister of the Royal Swedish Opera and director of the Royal Academy of Music. Kraus’ music is characterized by sudden dramatic contrasts in register, character, and most striking of all, harmony. His contrapuntal abilities were first-rate, but his motivic development does not seem as advanced as either Mozart’s or Haydn’s.

More on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Martin_Kraus

Joseph Martin Kraus – Requiem in D minor Deutscher Kammerchor La Stagione, conducted by Michael Schneider

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