January 10 - Johann Zumsteeg (The Musical Birthday Series)

Johann Zumsteeg (10 January 1760 – 27 January 1802) was a composer and conductor best remembered for his solo songs.

Follow the Leader

Johann Zumsteeg was a man

Condemned to be an also ran.

Did you know he was, dear reader,

Founding father of the Lieder?

Schubert heard a Zumsteeg ballad,

Then composed one far less pallid.

Not that there is something wrong

With a pleasant Zumsteeg song,

But he ends up in the shade

Of later songs much better made.

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