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Jan Zach (13 November 1699 Čelákovice – 24 May 1773 Ellwangen)^[1] was a Czech composer, violinist and organist.

In 1737 Zach applied for the position of music director at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. He was not accepted for this position, and in 1745^[1] he left Prague to become kapellmeister for Mainz's Prince Elector. He was suspended from this position in 1750^[1], though he still had employment with the court for six years.

From 1756 onwards, Zach did not have steady employment, and supported himself by traveling through Europe, particularly Italy, Germany, and Austria, selling his compositions.

Zach's early compositions were written in the Baroque style. Later, however, Zach's preference tended toward the style of the emerging Classical music era.

Compositions

• At least 36 symphonies ^[1][2]
• 14 concertos, including five for keyboard^[2]
• various chamber pieces
• approximately 30 masses
• other religious works.

References