The biography of Franciszek LESSEL (1780-1838), an excellent Polish composer from the pre-Chopin era, is rather difficult to trace. The relevant surviving documents are scarce, and the information in period sources is often contradictory and inaccurate. Not much has remained today from the circa 100 entries in the posthumous inventory of Lessel’s works.

Unfortunately, even there, omissions are found between the opus numbers, e.g. between Op.25 and 31. The entire inventory includes symphonies, overtures, a large number of various chamber pieces, concertos for solo instruments (clarinet, French horn, and piano), works for one and two pianos, and a requiem. Lessel’s extant compositions strongly stand out amongst Polish composers from this period through his enchanting melodies, great motivic work, and interesting construction.