As a child prodigy, Friedrich Eck met Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg, and Mozart was reportedly charmed by the eleven-year-younger violinist.
Compositional Technique
Eck's violin concertos exploit the full scope of the violin of his period, including specific tone-colouring effects and advanced fingering skills, anticipating Paganini.
Historical Context
The Mannheim Hofkapelle, where Eck's father worked, was considered one of Europe's best orchestras, and the 'Mannheim School' significantly influenced compositional style.
Composer Biography
Friedrich Eck studied with Giovanni Battista Viotti, a stylistically innovative violin virtuoso, to perfect his violin performance.
Composer Biography
Friedrich Eck, the composer, was born into a musical family, with his father serving as a horn player at the court of Elector Carl Theodor von der Pfalz in Mannheim.
Performer Biography
Tanja Becker-Bender, the soloist on this recording, has studied with leading quartet musicians including Wilhelm Melcher (Melos Quartett), Günter Pichler (Alban Berg Quartett), and Robert Mann (Juilliard String Quartet).
Critical Reception
Friedrich Eck was highly praised by critics, with the Parisian Mercure de France celebrating his astounding performance technique and 'superb tonal quality' in 1789.
