CUMARKET
Artist
0
Composer
0
Genre
0
Mood
0
Fritz Kreisler
Fritz Kreisler, born on February 2, 1875, in Vienna, Austria, was a celebrated violinist and composer known for his sweet tone and expressive phrasing, reminiscent of the gemütlich lifestyle of pre-war Vienna. His early musical education began under the guidance of his father, a doctor and amateur musician, and continued at the Vienna Conservatory, where he was admitted at the age of seven due to his exceptional talent. He later studied at the Paris Conservatory under notable teachers such as Léo Delibes and Jules Massenet, earning the "Premier Prix" gold medal at just 12 years old.

Kreisler made his United States debut in 1888 and, despite an initial setback with the Vienna Philharmonic, returned to music in 1899 after exploring other fields such as medicine and military service. His career took off following a performance with the Berlin Philharmonic, leading to international acclaim, particularly in the United States and London. In 1910, he premiered Edward Elgar's Violin Concerto, a piece dedicated to him.

Kreisler's personal life was marked by his marriage to Harriet Lies in 1902, with whom he shared a lifelong partnership. He served briefly in the Austrian Army during World War I before being wounded and honorably discharged. During World War II, he settled in the United States, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1943.

Renowned for his compositions, Kreisler often wrote short, sentimental pieces for the violin, some of which he initially attributed to historical composers as a hoax. Despite suffering a severe accident in New York, he continued to perform until his retirement in 1950. Fritz Kreisler passed away on January 29, 1962, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest violinists of his time.

Albums

Related/Similar/Recommended