Rodolphe Kreutzer received his first violin lessons from his father and later studied with Jacques Lemière, an experienced violin teacher, and Anton Stamitz, son of the Mannheim court music director.
Composer Biography
At just 14 years old, Rodolphe Kreutzer debuted as a soloist in Paris, earning praise from the press for his "rare talent" and "astonishing difficulties."
Composer Biography
Rodolphe Kreutzer's father, Jean Jacobe Kreutzer, immigrated from Breslau to Versailles to become a clarinetist in the Swiss Guard, seeking better opportunities away from war-torn Silesia.
Composer Biography
Rodolphe Kreutzer was forced to end his career as a violin virtuoso in 1803 after breaking his left arm, but he continued to compose and conduct.
Compositional Technique
Kreutzer's violin concertos are three-movement works, following the traditional structure of a fast first movement, a short slow intermezzo, and a brief rondo finale, but they also contain innovative elements.
Composer Biography
Kreutzer's career was not hindered by the political upheavals of the French Revolution and Napoleonic era; he served in Napoleon's personal musical entourage and later became music director at the Opéra.
Composition History
Kreutzer composed 19 violin concertos during his active period as a virtuoso, with the first eleven written by 1795 and the remaining eight between 1799 and 1809.
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