Kirchgessner, Marianne (1769–1808)

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Kirchgessner, Marianne (1769–1808)

German musician. Born 1769 in Germany; died 1808.

Blinded by illness in childhood, studied glass harmonica (also known as a glass armonica) with J.A. Schmittbauer in Karslruhe; a virtuoso, began to tour widely; (after hearing her play, Mozart wrote two pieces for the glass harmonica: Adagio in C and the Adagio and Rondo for Armonica, Flute, Oboe, Viola and Cello, 1791); received new instrument from Fröschel in London (1794); befriended Goethe shortly before her death.

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