Nr. on the small map: 19 (Miltenberg)
This house was built in 1750/51 by architect, builder and contractor Johann Martin Schmidt (1700 – 1763) as his own prestigious private residence. Mr. Schmidt was one of Balthasar Neumann’s students and was considered the most brilliant builder of the baroque style in the Lower Main region.
He had come to the Lower Main region as a foreman when the palace in Kleinheubach was newly built. He made his career among others as a member of the town council.
His grandson, the composer and later royal Swedish court music director Joseph Martin Kraus, nicknamed “the Mozart of the Odenwald”, was born inside this very house in 1756. Despite his love for music is father insisted on him studying law first. In 1778 Kraus went to Stockholm, already suffering from impaired health. Before he was appointed court music director by Gustav III, following a performance of his opera „Proserpin“, Kraus had lived through some bitterly poor years. He died in 1792, and was laid to rest in the northern part of Stockholm.
His numerous works include operas, stage and ballet music, symphonies, and chamber music.
The statue in front of the house was donated in 2006 as a monument for Kraus’ 250th birthday.
Tip: You can purchase CDs with a selection of Kraus’ music at the Museum Stadt Miltenberg or at the Tourist Information at the Engelplatz.
