Fritz Kreisler, the violinist on this album, was considered one of the first "cross-over" classical musicians of the 20th century due to his popularity with both serious and general audiences.
Composition History
Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 9 in A, known as the 'Kreutzer' Sonata, was originally intended for the mulatto violinist George Polgreen Bridgetower but was rededicated to Rudolphe Kreutzer after a quarrel.
Recording & Production
HMV's 'society editions', which included this Beethoven cycle, were offered by subscription through shops and featured large-scale projects like Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier and Mozart's Da Ponte operas.
Recording & Production
EMI initially had reservations about Franz Rupp as Kreisler's partner for these Beethoven sonata recordings, requiring him to pass an audition with a test recording of the 'Spring' sonata.
Composer Biography
Beethoven dedicated his first three violin sonatas, published as Opus 12, to Antonio Salieri, his composition teacher, as a gesture of gratitude.
Performer Biography
Franz Rupp, the pianist on this album, became Fritz Kreisler's regular accompanist throughout Europe after their first concert together in Riga in January 1930.
Recording & Production
This recording of the complete Beethoven sonatas by Fritz Kreisler was one of two complete Beethoven sonata cycles issued by HMV in the mid-1930s, the other being Artur Schnabel's 32 piano sonatas.
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