František Brixi

• Name — František Brixi • Born — 2 January 1732 • Birthplace — Prague, Kingdom of Bohemia • Died — 14 October 1771 • Place of death — Prague, Kingdom of Bohemia • Occupation — Classical composer • Father — Šimon Brixi

Brixi was born on 2 January 1732 in Prague, the son of composer Šimon Brixi. He received his musical education at the Piarist gymnasium in Kosmonosy. His teachers included Václav Kalous, a significant composer himself. In 1749, Brixi left Kosmonosy and returned to Prague, where he worked as an organist at several churches. In 1759, he was appointed regens chori (choir director) and Kapellmeister of St. Vitus Cathedral, thus attaining, at age 27, the highest musical position in the city; this office he held till his early death. He wrote some 290 church works (of the most varied type), cantatas and oratorios, chamber compositions, and orchestral compositions. He was a prolific composer of music for the liturgy, and wrote more than 100 masses, vespers and motets, among others. He also composed secular music such as oratorios and incidental music, concertos and symphonies. His organ concertos, which have been recorded several times each, are his best-known pieces today. Brixi died of tuberculosis in Prague in 1771, at the age of 39.

The authorities additionally record the headings Frantisek Xaver Brixi, Frantisek Brixi and Franz Brixi. His recorded language was Latin. He was the child of Šimon Brixi. Other recorded relations include Václav Norbert Brixi and Jan Josef Brixi.