Bernhard Schott
A clarinetist who turned a small family shop into a cornerstone of European music publishing, shaping the careers of composers from Beethoven to Wagner.
1748–1809 (age 61)·Birthday: August 9
Biography
Bernhard Schott published early works by a young Ludwig van Beethoven, launching a music publishing dynasty that continues to operate today. Born in Mainz, Schott first worked as a clarinetist before opening a modest shop in 1770 with his wife, selling music, instruments, and manuscript paper. He recognized that composers needed a reliable partner to distribute their scores. His publishing house used meticulous engraving and shrewd business decisions to become a vital conduit for Romantic era creativity. After Schott's death in 1809, his sons steered the firm toward the avant-garde, publishing pivotal scores by Richard Wagner, including the controversial 'Parsifal.' Schott Music, still family-owned, functions as a living archive of Western classical tradition, the result of one musician's vision for commerce in service of art.
#1 When Bernhard Was Born
The biggest hits of 1748
Bernhard's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1748Born
1753Started school
1761Became a teenager
1764Could drive
1766Could vote
1769Turned 21
1778Turned 30
1788Turned 40
1798Turned 50
1808Turned 60
1809Died at 61
Key Achievements
- Founded the Schott music publishing house in 1770, which remains a major force in classical music over 250 years later.
- Established a crucial early publishing relationship with Ludwig van Beethoven, issuing works like his Opus 1 piano trios.
- Built a family business that later published landmark operas by Richard Wagner, including 'The Ring Cycle' and 'Parsifal.'
- Transformed a local Mainz shop into an international firm with branches in London, Paris, and Brussels during his lifetime.
Did You Know?
The company's iconic logo, the 'Schott Circle,' was registered as a trademark in 1879, long after his death.
He initially ran the business with his wife, Catharina, who was actively involved in its management.
The firm's original focus included selling not just sheet music, but also instruments, music paper, and even sealing wax.
Schott Music's archive preserves over 100,000 original manuscripts, including handwritten scores by Beethoven, Wagner, and Stravinsky.
“I publish the notes so the music can live beyond the composer's room.”
