Simon Mayr

:For the 17th-century astronomer, see Simon Marius.

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Johann Simon Mayr aka Giovanni Simone Mayr, Simone Mayr, also spelled Majer, Mayer, Maier. (June 14, 1763 - December 2, 1845) was a German composer.

Related Topics:
June 14 - 1763 - December 2 - 1845 - German - Composer

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He was born in Mendorf in Bavaria and studied theology at the University of Ingolstadt, continuing his studies in Italy from 1787. He was closely associated with the Bavarian Illuminati of Adam Weishaupt while a student in Ingolstadt, and the ideals of the French Enlightenment were a strong influence on his philosophy as a musician as corroborated by his famed Zibaldone or "Notebooks" compiled toward the end of his career.

Related Topics:
Mendorf - Bavaria - Theology - University of Ingolstadt

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Shortly thereafter, he took music lessons with Carlo Lenzi, and later with Ferdinando Bertoni. He moved to Bergamo in 1802 and was appointed maestro di cappella at Bergamo Cathedral, succeeding his old teacher Lenzi. He held the post until his death, and became a central figure in the city's musical life, organising concerts and introducing Ludwig van Beethoven's music there. He was music teacher to Gaetano Donizetti. By the end of his life, he was blind.

Related Topics:
Carlo Lenzi - Ferdinando Bertoni - Bergamo - Bergamo Cathedral - Ludwig van Beethoven - Gaetano Donizetti - Blind

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Mayr's works, which include almost 70 operas, are infrequently performed today.

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