Vanhal, Johann Baptist (1739–1813)

Bohemian composer. He wrote about 100 symphonies and 100 quartets; his works were performed by Mozart and Haydn.

Vanhal went to Vienna in 1760 and studied there with Karl Dittersdorf; he travelled in Italy 1769–71, and lived on the estate of Count Erdödy in Hungary 1772–80. Back in Vienna, he supported himself as a freelance composer.

Works Opera two, Demofoonte and Il trionfo di Clelia (both lost).

Church music over 50 Masses and much other church music.

Orchestral and chamber 70 symphonies; about 100 string quartets; many caprices and programmatic works for keyboard.