Jan Ladislav Dussek

About

Brought Czech music to the world during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He pioneered some aspects of Romantic music.

Before Fame

He was a student at both Jihlava's and Kutná Hora's Jesuit gymnasium. He was known to be a lackadaisical student.

Trivia

He was given the descriptive title "le beau visage" after becoming the first pianist to perform with his profile in the audience's direction.

Family Life

He was born into a family of professional musicians. His mother Veronika was a harpist and pianist, and his father Jan was a respected organist and composer.

Associated With

He was beloved by Catherine the Great after moving to St. Petersburg, but soon became implicated in a plot to assassinate her, prompting him to flee Russia.