Gelinek (also Jelinek), Josef (Joseph)

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Gelinek (also Jelinek), Josef (Joseph)

Gelinek (also Jelinek), Josef (Joseph), Bohemian pianist, teacher, and composer; b. Seltsch, near Beroun, Dec. 3, 1758; d. Vienna, April 13, 1825. He studied philosophy at the Univ. of Prague, and also received training in organ and composition from Seger. After being ordained a priest in 1786, he settled in Vienna about 1789 and became a domestic chaplain, piano teacher, and tutor to the family of Count Philipp Kinsky. He later served as domestic chaplain to Prince Nikolaus II Esterhazy. Following further training from Albrechtsberger, he was active as a pianist, teacher, and composer. He composed some 120 sets of keyboard variations, as well as fantasias and dances, some chamber music, and songs.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire