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Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda was born on 21 February 1801 in Prague. He
studied the violin in the city’s newly founded Conservatory from 1811
to 1815, and his diploma mentioned his musical talents (”Excellent
solo and orchestral player (…) shows great promise as a composer.”).
In 1822 he became conductor of the orchestra of the art-loving Prince
Karl Egon II (1796-1854), who lived in Donaueschingen. Kalliwoda
decided at this point to earn his living exclusively as an employee of
the Prince, and to give up the bohemian life of a travelling musician. He
was also in charge of organising numerous musical events including
operas and concerts in which he often appeared as a soloist; he also
composed music for family receptions and public ceremonies as well
as church music for Donaueschingen Cathedral.
The political events of 1848 resulted in a long absence of the Prince
and his family and brought about the end of court music-making: the
services of the
Kapellmeister
were less and less frequently required.
Kalliwoda obtained permission to move to Karlsruhe, where his sons
lived, hoping that his change of residence would bring about renewed
inspiration for composition. After a transitional period of journeying
between Donaueschingen and Karlsruhe, he finally made the latter his
definitive home in June 1866 and settled down to enjoy his retirement.
He died there on 3 December of the same year.