Leopold Anton Kozeluch (1747-1818) - Stich von William Ridley, wohl nach einem Gemälde von J. Linley

Since 1778 composer and pianist Leopold Anton Kozeluch lived in Vienna. He initially worked as a teacher for Archduchess Elisabeth. In 1792 he became Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart"s successor as the imperial court and chamber composer.

Kozeluch composed operas, ballets, symphonies and piano concerts as well as numerous pieces for chamber music and piano. Some of his compositions were temporarily attributed to Ludwig van Beethoven. Now and then both men actually stood in contact with each other, however, their relationship cannot be called a friendship. As a court official in a permanent position, Kozeluch saw himself as better than Beethoven, a freelance composer. Beethoven, on his part, despised the poorly gifted competitor. (S.B.)