Hässler, Johann Wilhelm
(1747–1822)
Hässler (Gesler), Johann Wilhelm (3–29–1747, Erfurt, Germany; 3–17/29–1822, M.). German pianist, organist, and comp. Studied comp. and keyboard with his uncle, J. C. Kittel, who was a pupil of J. S. Bach. Was organist at the Barfusserkirche in Erfurt and concertized in Europe. Settled in P. (1792) and M. (1794) and establ. a reputation comparable to Field's. The expressive melodic lines in works such as his Sonata-Fantasie, Op. 4, often seem improvisatory or recitative-like, displaying the…