Punto, Giovanni

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Punto, Giovanni [ Stič, Jan Václav or Stich, Johann Wenzel] (b Zehušice, 1746; d Prague, 1803). Bohemian horn-player and violinist. Assumed It. name 1766 and in 1768 began European travels, visiting Eng. in 1770 and 1777. At Mainz court 1769–74. Met Mozart in Paris 1778. Worked in Paris 1782–7 and 1789–99. When he visited Vienna in 1800, Beethoven wrote his hn. sonata, Op.17, for him. Acclaimed as virtuoso of highest order. Wrote 11 hn. concs. (pubd. c.1787–c.1806), 24 hn. qts., 20 hn. trios, 56 hn. duos, other chamber works, and a book of hn. exercises (1795).