Louis Spohr was a German composer, violinist, conductor and teacher, known for opera Jessonda. A prolific composer, he developed his own characteristic style.
The premiere of his Faust (1816) was conducted by fellow composer Carl Maria von Weber, a cousin of Mozart's wife Constanze Weber.
Early Years
Born on April 5, 1784 in Brunswick, Louis Spohr was a child prodigy who came from a musical family. He received his first violin lessons from his parents. Aged 14, he was a member of Duke of Brunswick’s court orchestra employed as a violinist. The Duke paid for his private tuition.
Touring Violinist
At 18, he toured Russia and appeared in concert with the outstanding violinist Franz Eck, won such a reputation for virtuosity. His playing was particularly influenced by his admiration for Pierre Rode, a French violinist and composer 10 years his senior.
Until age 21, he was most successful as a touring artist with his wife, the harpist Dorette Scheidler. He toured as solo violinist and as a conductor, at the same time composing operas and oratorios.
Violin Virtuoso and Musical Director
The following year, he returned to Brunswick as a celebrated violin virtuoso, ensuring good employment positions. Spohr became leader in the orchestra of the Duke of Gotha, then musical director of the Theater an der Wien, in Vienna.
In 1813 and 1814, he wrote two of his most popular pieces, the nonet and octet. After producing his opera Faust in Prague, he travelled in Italy and became conductor at the Frankfurt opera.
He became court music director at Kassel Court from 1822 until his death. This was a position offered on the suggestion of his friend Carl Maria von Weber. It's in Kassell where Spohr spent most of his career life.
Champion of Wagner and German Opera
Spohr championed Richard Wagner and German opera. He became the first prominent musician to support Wagner by helping him produce Der fliegende Hollander and conducted it at Kassel. He also conducted Wagner's Tannhauser. He was one of the first conductors to use a baton.
His early Romantic origins and devotion to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart largely determined his style, in particular his adherence to classical forms. His music was widely performed during the 19th century. His operas were successful on their day, but a recent development has noted that his chamber music and violin concertos have led to a moderate revival of interest in his work. He died in Kassel on October 22, 1859.
Spohr's Operas
- Faust
- Die Prufung (The Test)
- Der Berggeist (The Mountain Spirit)
- Zemire und Azur
- Jessonda
Spohr's Other works
- Violin concertos
- Symphonies
- Clarinet concertos
- Oratorios
- Chamber music
- String quartets
- String quintets
- Songs, more than 90
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