Louis Spohr’s Autobiography
Translated from the German

The 1865 English translation of the Selbstbiographie by the popular early Romantic composer, conductor and violinist Louis Spohr (1784–1859).

Louis Spohr (Author)

9781108011723, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 22 April 2010

692 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.9 cm, 0.87 kg

Louis 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.

Preface
Vol. 1. 1784–1817
Vol. 2. 1817–1859.

Subject Areas: Classical music [c 1750 to c 1830 AVGC4]