Anton Fils

Who was Anton Fils?

Anton Fils, 22 September 1733 – 14 March 1760 was a German classical composer.

Fils was born in Eichstätt, in the Bishopric of Eichstätt. Long thought to have been of Bohemian origin, despite having been described as "from Bavaria" by Friedrich Wilhelm Marpurg in 1756, his true origins were discovered in the 1960s. Fils studied law and theology at the University of Ingolstadt, and in 1754 became part of the "Mannheimer Hofkapelle" as a cellist. The Mannheim orchestra at the time was led by Johann Stamitz. In 1757 Fils married Elizabeth Range, and in 1759 the couple bought a house.

Even though he died at only age 26, he left an extensive body of work, including at least thirty-four symphonies and about thirty concertos, mainly for cello and for flute, though only about half have survived.

Fils died in Mannheim.

His music was mostly forgotten before being rediscovered in the 21st century.