Paul Wranitzky was the brother of Anton, and like him played the violin, but Paul was also versed in the organ. When he studied theology at the seminary in Vienna he also continued to study music and became the choirmaster for the seminary during the course of his studies. More than likely Wranitzky studied with Haydn and Kraus while in seminary. In 1785 he was appointed music director for Prince Esterhazy becoming his orchestra director in 1790. Compositions by Wranitzky included the opera "Oberon," over fifty symphonies and a number of chamber works. He was preferred by both Beethoven and Haydn to conduct their works over other musicians and he did in fact conduct the Vienna performance of Haydn's "The Creation" and the premiere of Beethoven's "First Symphony." Wranitzky's symphonies were clearly composed in the Classical style with four large movements. In his music for Oberon, which was the successful and popular piece among the public, he was able to capture the mystery and mood of the setting. Not until Weber's "Oberon" in 1826 did any other opera surpass it in popularity. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi