Krafft, François-Joseph / Chasanov, Elliot

Frans Krafft was a Belgian organist, conductor and composer. He is believed to have been a chorister in St Bavo Cathedral, Ghent, and to have studied composition in Italy (perhaps under Durante), where it is claimed that he won a prize for the motet In convertendo. Little is known of his career. He is mentioned as a composer, organist and harpsichord teacher from 1761 to 1768. On 7 April 1769 he was appointed music director of St Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, a position he held until his resignation on 23 August 1794. In Ghent Krafft composed his Requiem for the large vocal ensembles of the cathedral there. It was used for the funeral services of the sisters of the Great Beguine Convent in Louvain. The very sober themes, showing resignation and acceptance of death, are somewhat reminscent of those of Mozart's Requiem (the latter was born in 1756, thirty-five years after Krafft). Though different, the two works share the same style. 'Ecce Panis Angelorum', a sequence hymn for Corpus Christi, has been arranged for brass quintet by Elliott Chasanov (University of Illinois).

Add To Cart

Add To Estimate

Add to Wishlist