Sterkel, Johann Franz Xaver (1750–1817)

German composer and pianist. He was educated at Würzburg University. In 1774 he was ordained priest, and in 1778 he became chaplain and musician at the court in Mainz. After a visit to Italy in 1782, where he met Padre Martini, he returned to Mainz, becoming music director to the court in 1793. He lived in Regensburg (1802–10), then in Aschaffenburg, and finally retired to Würzburg, in 1815.

Works opera Farnace (1782); 24 symphonies, two overtures for orchestra; six piano concertos; string quintet, piano quartet, six string trios; sonatas for piano solo and duet, piano pieces, variations; German songs, Italian canzonets; vocal duets.