Giovanni Punto (Johann Wenzel Stich) (1748-1803) - Fotografie eines Stichs von Simon Charles Miger nach einer Zeichnung, wohl von Nicolas Cochin d.J, Wien, um 1910

Johann Wenzel Stich (alias Giovanni Punto) was one of the most famous buglers in Europe in the second half of the 18th century. He studied in Prague, Munich and Dresden. Several concert journeys through England, France, Spain and Italy followed. In 1800 Stich came to Vienna and, while being with the Brunsvik family, met Ludwig van Beethoven. The composer wrote the Sonata for French horn and piano in F Major op. 17 for Stich and performed it with him on April 18th, 1800 in Vienna's "Hofburgtheater". On a charity concert in January 1801 both musicians played together once again. Shortly after then Stich returned to Prague where he died a bit later.(S.B.)