With a Biographical Sketch of the Author by DR. THEODORE BAKER.

Among the eminent artists who laid the foundations of modern pianoforte technique, Johann Ladislaw Dussek (sometimes spelled Duschek, or Dissek) deservedly occupies a prominent place. He is also noteworthy as being a pioneer of that group of Bohemian and Polish artists whose influence is to-day so wide-reaching and powerful.

Dussek was born at Czaslau, in Bohemia, on February 9, 1761, and received his first musical training from his father, an organist of good repute.

At an early age he was engaged as a choir-boy in the church of the Minorites (Franciscans) at iglau, and a few years later was appointed organist of the Jesuit church at Kuttenburg, faithfully prosecuting his musical studies in both capacities.

Going thence to Prague, he fell in with Count Männer, whose patronage secured him a position as organist in Malines, Belgium, which he speedily relinquished, how-ever, for a similar position at Bergen-op-Zoom. Finding this field too narrow for his vaulting ambition, he pro-ceeded, in 1782, to Amsterdam, where his conspicuous talent found a fairer opportunity to win public recognition; in consequence of which he was called to the Hague as teacher of the Stadtholder’s children. With leisure to devote himself to composition, his first published works, Trois concertos pour le pianoforte, 2 violons, alto et basse (Op. 1), were issued, and met with great success.

This flattering recognition of his merit did not render him over-confident, but impelled him to seek the advice of C. Ph. Em. Bach (then in his 7oth year), at Hamburg, in regard to pursuing the career of a musician.