Josef Fiala (1748-1816) was born in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) and began his musical career as an oboist in the service of Countess Valpruga Netolická. While in the service of the Countess, the unhappy Fiala ran away, was caught and imprisioned for two years, eventually being freed by a decree from Countess Maria Teresa!

He was a multi-talented musician, who became a composer and Kapelmeister as well as professional player of the oboe, horn, violoncello and viola da gamba. He also travelled extensively, taking musical jobs in Prague, Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, St. Petersburg and Donaueschinge.

He was good friends with Mozart and from 1778 to 1785 Fiala lived in Mozart’s birth house at 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg.