Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962); AUT/USA

Fritz Kreisler (1875–1962) was born in Vienna and became one of the most celebrated violinists of the twentieth century. A prodigy, he entered the Vienna Conservatory at seven and later studied at the Paris Conservatoire, winning its premier prix at twelve. After an early American tour he briefly turned away from professional music, but resumed concert life in the late 1890s and soon achieved international fame for the beauty and individuality of his tone, elegant phrasing, and seemingly effortless technique. He served in the Austrian army at the beginning of the First World War and later lived in Berlin, Paris, and the United States, becoming an American citizen in 1943.

Kreisler’s compositions and arrangements were designed above all for the violin and became inseparable from his performing personality. Among his enduring originals are Liebesfreud, Liebesleid, Schön Rosmarin, Caprice Viennois, and Tambourin chinois. He also wrote numerous pieces “in the style” of earlier composers, several of which he initially presented as rediscovered works before revealing their true authorship in 1935. His transcriptions and cadenzas—notably those for the Beethoven Violin Concerto—remain widely played, and his recordings preserve a violin style admired for warmth, flexibility, and unmistakable Viennese charm.

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Kreisler, Fritz (Friedrich) (b Vienna, 1875; d NY, 1962). Austrian-born violinist and composer (Amer. cit. 1943). Entered Vienna Cons. at age 7. Amer. début 1888 in Boston, followed by tour with pianist Moriz Rosenthal. Returned to Europe and abandoned mus. career, studying medicine in Vienna and art in Rome and Paris. Resumed career as violinist Jan. 1898 in Vienna. Returned to USA 1900-1. London début, Philharmonic Soc., May 1902. His brilliant technique and unmistakably personal tone put him in the forefront of int. violinists. In 1910 gave the f.p. of Elgar's conc., which is ded. to him. Lived in NY 1915-24 but later returned to Eur. and in 1938 became Fr. citizen. Made many recordings. Returned to NY 1940, thereafter living chiefly in USA. Comp. str. qt. and many pieces for vn., of which the best-known are Caprice Viennois, Liebesfreud, Liebesleid, Schön Rosmarin and Tambourin Chinois. Also transcr. works by Dvořák, Paganini, and Tartini. Wrote cadenzas for Beethoven and Brahms concs.

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