Justin Knecht

KNECHT, Justin Heinrich. b. Biberach an der Riss, 30 September 1752; d. 1 December 1817. He studied at the Lutheran college in Esslingen am Neckar (1768-71), and became a teacher and choir director in Biberach in 1771. In 1792, he resigned from his teaching post and became organist at St Martin’s church. He played a large role in the cultural life of the city, organising subscription concerts and teaching music-related courses as well as giving instrumental lessons. He wrote several music theory treatises and an Organschule (1795-8). Knecht moved to Stuttgart in 1806, seeking a post at court. He was made the court’s orchestral director in April 1807, but resigned in 1808 and returned to the...