Maria Theresia von Paradis

Maria Theresia von Paradis was a composer, singer and keyboard player who went blind during childhood. Skills aside for the moment, von Paradis established a music school for girls c. 1800 and also was instrumental in establishing devices used by the blind to score music. Her compositions include three staged works, cantatas, piano concertos and sonatas as well as a number of songs many of which have been lost. She was instructed by both Salieri and Kozeluch whose influence is apparent in her compositions. Because of her talent and exceptional touch von Paradis was able to visit and perform in most of the major capitals of Europe. She appeared as both a singer, organist and pianist. Mozart, whom she probably met around 1783/4, dedicated a piano concerto to her (B-flat; K456). ~ Keith Johnson, All Music Guide