Christian Cannabich (1731-1798)

The most important composer of the Mannheim school this violinist excelled beyond his years. He entered the scholastic study of music at the age of 12 and was appointed violinist at the age of 16. The homes he maintained were always open and frequented by other musicians. Included in his company were Leopold and Amadeus Mozart. Cannabich opened his home to the musical world and opened the musical world to the middle class. His compositions included numerous symphonies, concertos, and chamber pieces. Characteristics of his music were influenced by the proclivity of the Mannheim school towards appogiaturas, leaping triads and an abundant use of crescendos. Lacking any apparent individuated signature piece, Cannabich did compose a dominant upper-voiced melodic line that was distinct and separate from the other voices, yet, integrated in such a way that they maintained their own independence. This was particularly present in his ballets. ~ Keith Johnson