Wanhal, Johann Baptist (1739-1813)

Like his younger compatriot Leopold Koželuh, Johann Baptist Wanhal derived a considerable part of his income from teaching, and his large output of keyboard music – which includes solos, chamber works with keyboard and instructional pieces – reflects this. Along with the usual sets of variations, dances and other small-scale works, he published sonatinas and progressive sonatas for young performers which reveal his experience as teacher and his gift of making the simplest music attractive as well as instructive. Wanhal’s output of solo keyboard music also includes far more complex and ambitious works, among them, several sets of pieces styled “Capriccio”. These works are in essence multi-movement sonatas, their capriciousness largely evident in their discursive first movements which include an element of modest tonal adventure. The works are very attractive, technically demanding yet well within the scope of the many fine amateur fortepianists in Vienna. Wanhal’s capriccios were eagerly sought after in other centres as well and were issued by publishers in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Offenbach am Main as well as in Vienna.