Johann Friedrich Struensee

Johann Friedrich Struensee , 1737-72, Danish politician, b. Germany. As physician to Christian VII he gained complete mastery over the insane king and became the favorite of the young queen, Caroline Matilda. With her support he became (1771) minister of state, was created a count, and suppressed the privy council, which had limited the royal power. A virtual dictator, he accomplished industrial, commercial, and educational reforms; he attempted to free Denmark from Russian influence and to improve the condition of the peasantry. However, his ruthless methods provoked the enmity of the nobles, who terrorized the king into arresting him. He was accused of adultery with the queen and was executed.

Kittl, Johann Friedrich [ Jan Bedřich] (b Orlik nad Vltavou, 1806; d Lissa, 1868). Ger.-Bohemian composer. Mendelssohn cond. his 2nd sym. in Leipzig, 1840. Dir., Prague Cons. 1843–65. Friend of Wagner, who gave him his lib. Die Franzosen vor Nizza which he comp. as Bianca und Giuseppe (1848). Also wrote 3 other operas, 4 syms., chamber mus., pf. pieces, and songs.

Wieck, (Johann Gottlob) Friedrich (b Pretzsch, nr. Torgau, 1785; d Loschwitz, nr. Dresden, 1873). Ger. music teacher. Settled in Leipzig where he gave lessons, est. a piano factory, and founded a lending library. Moved to Dresden 1844, where he became one of most famous of piano teachers. Pupils inc. Bülow, Robert Schumann, and his daughter (by his first wife) Clara, who married Schumann. Wrote book Klavier und Gesang (1853, rev. 1878).