Anton (or Antonio) Diabelli (1781 – 1858) was an
Austrian music publisher, editor and composer. Best
known in his time as a publisher, he is most familiar
today as the composer of the waltz on which Ludwig van
Beethoven wrote his set of thirty-three Diabelli
Variations. He was born in Mattsee near Salzburg. A
musical child, he sang in the boys' choir at the
Salzburg Cathedral where he is believed to have taken
music lessons with Michael Haydn. By age 19, Diabelli
had already composed several i...(+)
Anton (or Antonio) Diabelli (1781 – 1858) was an
Austrian music publisher, editor and composer. Best
known in his time as a publisher, he is most familiar
today as the composer of the waltz on which Ludwig van
Beethoven wrote his set of thirty-three Diabelli
Variations. He was born in Mattsee near Salzburg. A
musical child, he sang in the boys' choir at the
Salzburg Cathedral where he is believed to have taken
music lessons with Michael Haydn. By age 19, Diabelli
had already composed several important compositions,
including six masses.
Diabelli was trained to enter the priesthood and in
1800 he joined the monastery at Raitenhaslach, Bavaria.
He remained there until 1803 when Bavaria closed all
its monasteries. He produced a number of well known
works as a composer, including an operetta called Adam
in der Klemme, several masses and songs and numerous
piano and classical guitar pieces. Among these are
pieces for piano four hands that are popular among
pianists of all ages. His music goes on to be the
fundamentals of opera, and is considered by some to
have set the fundamental stepping stones for classic
jazz.
Diabelli's composition Pleasures of Youth: Six
Sonatinas is a collection of six sonatinas depicting a
struggle between unknown opposing forces. This is
suggested by the sharp and frequent change in dynamics
from forte to piano. When forte is indicated, the
pianist is meant to evoke a sense of wickedness, thus
depicting the antagonist. In contrast, the markings of
piano represent the protagonist with its softer, more
tranquil tones.
The "Te Deum" (You God) is an early Christian Hymn of
praise. Traditionally ascribed to Saint Ambrose and
Saint Augustine, contemporary scholars disagree and
some assign it to Nicetas, bishop of Remesiana (4th-5th
century). The hymn is also sometimes styled "Hymnus
Ambrosianus", the "Ambrosian Hymn"; and in the Roman
Breviary it is still entitled, at the end of Matins for
Sunday, "Hymnus SS. Ambrosii et Augustini". The Roman
Breviary direct the recitation of the Te Deum at the
end of Matins and for special occasions such as the
canonization of a saint, the election of a pope, the
publication of a treaty of peace, a royal coronation,
etc.
Although originally created for accompanied chorus, I
created this arrangement for Concert (Pedal) Harp &
String Ensemble (Violins (2), Viola & Cello).
