He was a favourite of the Austrian Emperor and the King of Prussia, and performed in quartets with Mozart and Haydn, this week Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf.

The Bishop of Grossvardein took on Dittersdorf as his orchestral conductor. This top-notch ensemble inspired Dittersdorf to compose many symphonies and concertos for performance, including his Concerto in B flat major for harpsichord and orchestra. This golden opportunity was not to last, though, with the Bishop eventually disbanding his orchestra due to scandal and intrigue.

Help was at hand with another cleric, the Prince-Bishop of Breslau, who offered Dittersdorf a new job. At this time there were no musicians at this new court, so Dittersdorf was initially employed as Chief Forrester. The Prince-Bishop also sent off some of Dittersdorf's music to the Pope, possibly the Requiem in C minor, so that like Gluck and Mozart, Dittersdorf was invested with the Papal order of Knight of the Golden Spur. Further triumphs were soon to follow; his oratorio Ester was enjoyed by the Viennese, Emperor Joseph II, and Dittersdorf found himself elevated to the nobility by the Empress. Show less