Johann Philipp Neumann Explained

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Johann Philipp Neumann (27 December 1774  - 3 October 1849) was an Austrian physicist, librarian and poet.

Born in Trebitsch in Moravia, he completed his studies at the University of Vienna. In 1803, he was appointed as a professor of physics at his local lyceum. He was transferred to the University of Graz in 1806, where he became a rector in 1811.

In 1815, he was appointed as a professor at the Polytechnic Institute in Vienna (now the Vienna University of Technology). He founded a library here in 1816, which he directed until 1845.

Neumann was a friend of the composer Franz Schubert.[1] Neumann adapted Georg Forster's translation of Shakuntala as a libretto for an opera, which Schubert commenced in 1820 but never competed.[2] Neumann, a liberal-minded churchman, was interested in simple music designed to appeal to "the widest possible congregation".[2] To this end, he wrote the text of 8 hymns and a translation of the Lord's Prayer, and commissioned the Deutsche Messe from his friend in 1826.

He retired in 1844, and died in Vienna in 1849.

Notes and References

  1. Book: The Hymnal 1981 Companion. Raymond F.. Glover. 71. 1990. Church Publishing . 9780898691436.
  2. Book: Newbould, Brian. Brian Newbould

    . Schubert: The Music and the Man. Brian Newbould. 1999. 140. University of California Press . 9780520219571.