Louis Spohr's Autobiography: Translated from the GermanLouis Spohr (1784-1859) was one of the most popular musicians of the early Romantic period, but of his considerable output (including 10 symphonies, 15 violin concertos, nine operas and a large amount of chamber music), only the Octet op.32 and the Nonet op.31 are heard regularly today. Spohr established his name as a virtuoso violinist and completed his Violin method in 1831. As a conductor, he contributed to the increasing use of the baton to direct performances. He travelled widely in Europe, visiting London for the first time in 1820, when he directed a Philharmonic Society concert, and returning four times between 1843 and 1853. This autobiography, begun in 1847, gives a lively (but not necessarily always accurate) account of life as a professional musician. Spohr's own account ends at June 1838, and the book was completed by family members using materials provided by his wife. |
Contents
wick | 12 |
tempts at composition | 21 |
brother Ferdinand | 63 |
Mozart | 69 |
Musical tour to Leipsic Breslau Berlin and Hamburg | 128 |
Appointed court musician at Brunswick | 132 |
Das jüngste Gericht at | 157 |
Appointed director of the orchestra at the theatre An | 163 |
Residence in Naples | 3 |
32 | 32 |
41 | 41 |
Zemire and Azo1 | 47 |
Journey to the musical festival at Mannheim | 59 |
62 | 62 |
Leaves Frankfort | 66 |
Journey to London | 72 |
The Liberation of Germany | 182 |
Departure from Rome Arrival at Naples | 270 |
Marriage of Spohr with Dorette Scheidler | 195 |
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Common terms and phrases
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