Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Johann Zumsteeg
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Quick Facts
In full:
Johann Rudolf Zumsteeg
Born:
Jan. 10, 1760, Sachsenflur, Mosbach, Ger.
Died:
Jan. 27, 1802, Stuttgart (aged 42)
See all related content
Britannica AI Icon
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

Johann Zumsteeg

German composer and conductor
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

Johann Zumsteeg (born Jan. 10, 1760, Sachsenflur, Mosbach, Ger.—died Jan. 27, 1802, Stuttgart) was a German composer and conductor known as a pioneer in the development of the ballad.

Zumsteeg was admitted to the Karlsschule, near Stuttgart, where he formed a close friendship with his fellow student Friedrich Schiller. He studied cello and theory with the local chapelmaster, whom he succeeded as director of the Stuttgart Opera in 1792. Although he composed eight operas, 21 church cantatas, choruses to Schiller’s play Die Räuber, and instrumental music, he is remembered chiefly for his 20 ballads for solo voice and piano. He exerted a strong influence on the youthful Schubert, whose early long narrative songs are clearly modelled on Zumsteeg’s ballads.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Discover the fascinating events that shaped the world, straight from our editors.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.