The son of a mill owner, Josef Mysliveček (1737-1781) was born in Prague. After a brief period as a student of literature and philosophy, he started to study organ with Joseph Seger and composition with the renowned František Václav Habermann. After his success with his first symphonies he decided to go to Venice to study voice and composition with Giovanni Battista Pescetti, not only to perfect himself as a musician but probably also to integrate himself into the great operatic tradition of one of the most productive and lively cities of the time. 

Mysliveček’s first opera Medea was a huge success and soon he became the first internationally renowned Bohemian opera composer. During a stay with Padre Martini, he met Mozart in Bologna, who was greatly fascinated by the Bohemian's musical qualities.

The music remains firmly anchored in its period, exploring all the musical potential that classicism has to offer: strong structures, refinement and charm, as well as elegant and cantabile melodies.

A landmark recording of Mysliveček’s works for fortepiano and violin – featuring the complete Divertimenti and Sonatas, including world-premiere recordings, this project reveals the composer’s transition from Galant style to mature Classicism, his inventive treatment of the duo, and new discoveries from manuscript research.

Played on a copy of a Walter fortepiano from 1792 by Marius Bartoccini and violinist Rossella Croce. Bartoccini successfully recorded the complete keyboard music by Mysliveček for Brilliant Classics.