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.