Biography
Born into a family of lutenists, Weiss received his initial instruction on the instrument from his father beginning around age ten. During his early adulthood he resided in Rome, where he performed for Polish Prince Alexander Sobiesky and the prince’s mother, Queen Maria Casimira. Because the Queen retained both Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti as music directors, Weiss almost certainly interacted with the two composers during his time there. Once the prince died, Weiss returned to Germany and eventually secured the position of highest-paid instrumentalist at the Dresden court. In 1722 a French violinist attacked him, nearly severing the top joint of his right thumb and placing his career in serious jeopardy. He continued to tour and perform across Europe, building a widespread reputation as a superior musician. Today Weiss is regarded as one of the greatest lutenists in history; he also left a substantial body of original compositions for the instrument. Working in the late Baroque style, he produced nearly 600 works whose harmonies occasionally display notable inventiveness. His playing was distinguished by the so-called Weissian method, which featured refined fingerings and a seamless legato approach.
Singles
