Background
Schelble was born in Hüfingen in the Black Forest.
Schelble was born in Hüfingen in the Black Forest.
Among other of his compositions during his stay is a Missa solemnis for four voices and orchestra. In this city he remained for the rest of his life, and there founded the Society of Saint Cecilia, which worked to popularise classical music He began by giving a weekly musical entertainment in his own house.
These meetings were popular, and before long he was able to give them a permanent form under the title Cäcilienverein.
Its members steadily increased in numbers: in 1818 he began with 21 members. In a few years there were a hundred.
The first concert given was the Magic Flute of Mozart. Soon followed works by Händel, Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven, and after 1828 those of Bach, and earlier composers such as Palestrina, Pergolesi, et cetera
In 1836 his health became impaired, and he returned to his native country to recuperate.
But in vain. The following year he died. During his absence Felix Mendelssohn took his place as director of the society.
In 1831 Schelble commissioned Mendelssohn to write an Oratorio on behalf of the Society of Street Cecilia.
Mendelssohn chose as his subject Saint Paul (oratorio).
