Šimon Brixi

Šimon Brixi (28 October 1693 in Vlkava – 2 November 1735 in Prague) was a Czech composer. He was the father of František Brixi.

Life

He was born in Vlkava. In 1720, he began studying law in Prague but did not complete his studies, choosing instead to devote himself to music. His artistic activity was closely linked with the musical life in Prague. In 1727, Brixi took up the position of teacher and choirmaster at St. Martin's Church in the Old Town of Prague. While the exact date of his death is unknown, his funeral was registered on 2 November 1735.

Style

His compositions were intended almost exclusively for a church choir. Only about 21 of his compositions have been preserved. He wrote offertoria, gradualia, Regina Coeli, Salve Reginas, requiems, litanies, Te Deums, and church cantatas. In some of his works, Brixi also thematically elaborated folk spiritual music. He was also interested in Italian baroque music; some of his copies of Neapolitan church compositions are preserved in the church archive at Mělník. Brixi was also influenced by the church compositions of Jan Dismas Zelenka. He composed his works both on Czech and Latin texts.