Franz Xaver Schnizer

Franz Xaver Schnizer (also Schnitzer ) (born December 13, 1740 in Wurzach , † May 5, 1785 in Ottobeuren ) was a German composer and organist .

He became a choirboy in the Benedictine monastery in Ottobeuren at an early age . Here he received musical instruction in the field of composition. He was also trained as an organist. After taking the religious vows and being ordained a priest, he became organist in the local monastery in 1766. Up until his death, in addition to his spiritual duties, he also performed the role of choir regent and music instructor. He died in Ottobeuren in 1785.

Schnizer created almost exclusively sacred works. These are masses , a requiem , magnificate , vespers and singing games . His compositional work has only survived in fragments and has largely been forgotten today. His compositions were probably only distributed regionally during his lifetime. Some of his works are still unpublished.

Works (selection)

• Six sonatas opus I for harpsichord (piano) or organ
• Mass in C major for 4 st. according to Choir, organ and double bass

The source consists of six part books named: Soprano, Alto, Tenore, Basso, Organo, Violone (critical report: Carus 40.649 / 01)

• Ave maris stella
• Laudate dominum omnes gentes
• Alma redemptoris mater
• Juga et plana
• Regina Coeli
• Veni Sancte Spiritus

literature

• Otto Frisch: The composer Pater Franciscus Schnizer OSB from Wurzach 1740–1785 (= Publications of the Bad Wurzach City Archives. No. 2, ZDB -ID 1118158-8 ). Bad Wurzach City Archives, Bad Wurzach 1985.
• Aegidius Kolb: P. Franz Schnitzer, OSB: composer of Ottobeuren 1740–1785. In: Studies and communications on the history of the Benedictine order and its branches. Vol. 96, 1985, ISSN  0303-4224 , pp. 401-402.

Web links

• Sheet music and audio files by Franz Xaver Schnizer in the International Music Score Library Project
• Franz Xaver Schnizer (Allgäu-Swabian Music Archive Eglofs)