Elsner, Joseph Xaver

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Elsner, Joseph Xaver (b Grottkau, 1769; d Warsaw, 1854). Silesian composer. While at Breslau Jesuit Gymnasium 1781–8, played vn. in opera orch. Gave up medicine for mus. 1789. Kapellmeister, Lemberg, 1792–9. Cond. in Warsaw from 1799, in charge of opera until 1824 and becoming dir. of Cons. 1821–30. Taught Chopin. Comp. 20 operas, 8 syms., ballet, concs., etc.