Melchior Franck

Background

He was born in Zittau, and possibly studied with Christoph Demantius there, and also later with Adam Gumpelzhaimer in Augsburg.

Career

Details of his early life are sparse, as is common for composers of the time. In 1602 he took a position as Kapellmeister in Coburg to Prince Johann Casimir, and he remained in Coburg for the rest of his life. Foreign the earlier portion of this time, the situation was ideal for him.

He was supported by his patron, and had the resources necessary to carry on his composing.

Unfortunately the Thirty Years" War devastated the region around Coburg. In addition to the military depredations, typhus brought by the armies depopulated the entire region and ruined the economy.

Franck was fortunate in being able to make a living throughout this terrible period as a musician, unlike his contemporary at Halle, Samuel Scheidt, who lost his Kapellmeister post.

Connections

teacher:

Hans Leo Hassler