(b Nové Nechanice, 12 May 1739;d Vienna, 20 Aug 1813). Czech composer. His first posts were as organist and choirmaster; he was also a violinist and cellist. In c1761 he went to Vienna, where he studied with Dittersdorf and became famous as a composer and teacher (Pleyel was among his pupils). He travelled in Italy, 1769-71; after an illness he returned to Vienna c1780 and worked as one of the first independent musicians.

A prolific and popular composer, graceful and accomplished, Vanhal wrote over 700 instrumental works. Until the mid-1780s most were symphonies, concertos and chamber works (especially string quartets and trios), but later he turned to lighter pieces (many for keyboard). His early symphonies are important for their distinct sonata structures in the outer movements. His output also includes two operas, many sacred works and songs.

The Concise Grove Dictionary of Music. Copyright © 1994 by Oxford University Press, Inc.. All rights reserved.