Sonate 4 in D

Franz Xaver Schnizer (also Schnitzer) (born December 13, 1740 in Wurzach, † May 5, 1785 in Ottobeuren) was a German composer and organist.

Early on he became a choirboy in the Benedictine monastery in Ottobeuren. Here he received a musical instruction in the field of composition. In addition, he was trained as an organist. After taking the religious vows and ordination, he was since 1766 organist of the Ottobeuren monastery.
In addition to his spiritual duties, until his death he also served as choirmaster and music instructor. He died in Ottobeuren in 1785.

Schnizer created almost exclusively spiritual works. These are fairs, a requiem, magnificat, vespers, and motets.

His compositional work has survived only in fragments and has largely been forgotten today. His compositions were probably even in his lifetime only for regional distribution. Some of his works are still unpublished.

His contemperaries considered Schnizer as one of the best organists of his time; he numbered among the last important composers at the Ottobeuren monastery.

This Sonate is in three parts:
The starting points in the recording are approx at:

Allegro non molto: 00:00
Andante: 03:55
Presto: 07:50