Matiegka, Wenzeslaus Thomas 01/01/1773 - 01/01/1830

Wenzeslaus Thomas Matiegka (1773-1830) was an Austrian guitarist, teacher and composer. He was born into a musical family and received a basic musical education in voice, violin and piano. In 1788 he deepened his musical knowledge in harmony and composition. In 1791 he began to study law at the University of Prague, started learning cello and decided in 1800 to dedicate himself exclusively to music. In 1802 he discovered the guitar and began writing for it.



Gradually he attained a reputation as a composer. He wrote about 40 compositions for solo guitar as well as several duos and trios. In 1817 he became director of the choir of the Church of Saint Leopold in Vienna and composed mostly sacred music.