Friedrich Witt was born 8 Nov. 1770 in Niederstetten. At the age of 17 he came to the court of Oettingen-Wallerstein to complete his musical education. He was probably a student of Antonio Rosetti (1750-1792). There is a letter at the Wallerstein archive that says that Friedrich Witt was employed since October 1789 for 300 Gulden per year at the court orchestra. He played the cello. The prince let him often go for concert tours. Witt was from 1796 for a longer time in Vienna. In 1802 the bishop of Würzburg called him court chapel master where he worked until the dissolution of the court music. Additionally, he was music director of the Stadttheater Würzburg. Witt died highly respected 3 January 1836 in Würzburg.
According to the title page, the horn concerto E major was written July 1795. There is also a note "fait pour Msr. Nagel" that says that the concerto was written for Joseph Nagel. This hornist was employed as first horn player at the court Oettingen-Wallerstein and was well-known for his wonderful horn playing. It can be assumed that he asked Witt, his colleague, for this concerto.
The structure is similar to the works of Rosetti. There is a Romance as the second movement. The last movement is however in 2/4 measure, not 6/8. There is also the typical second viola part. This concerto is a challenge because of its tone height. But this is not the only work with such high tones. Similar are works by Sperger, Fiala, Reicha, Teyber and other composers.
This composition shall be one more work of the Wallerstein Court that is again available. The source is the autograph score (Sign. HR III 4 ½ 4°281) and part copies with same signature of the University Library Augsburg. The complet Concerto on YouTube
