Rudolphe Kreutzer Flashcards
What nationality was Kreutzer?
Kreutzer was a French composer and violinist.
What period was Kreutzer from?
Kreutzer was from the late Classical period which was from the late 1700’s to early 1800’s.
Was anyone else from his family a musician?
Kreutzer’s father was a violinist who was his first violin teacher.
Who did Kreutzer get taught by?
Kreutzer studied violin and composition from Anton Stamitz.
How did Kreutzer make his debut?
At 13, Kreutzer played one of Stamitz’ s concertos at a concert and was considered a prodigy.
What orchestra was Kreutzer a part of?
Kreutzer played in the French court orchestra.
How did Kreutzer establish his reputation?
Kreutzer’s first opera called the Joan of Arc and his second called Paul and Virginia, composed the following year was one of more than 40 operas.
What did Kreutzer do in his later life?
Kreutzer worked as a professor of violin at the Paris Conservatoire. Then, with two other French composers, Pierre Rode and Pierre Baillot, founded the French school of violin playing. He continued playing the violin across the world in places such as Italy, Austria and France.
What is a fun fact about Kreutzer?
In one of Kreutzer’ s concerts, Beethoven heard him play and dedicated one of his sonatas after him, called the Kreutzer Sonata. However, Beethoven didn’t tell Kreutzer about this, so it is likely that he never played the piece.
What are some of Kreutzer’s compositions?
- 42 studies for solo violin (including the one i am playing today)
- violin sonatas
- 19 violin concertos
- chamber music
What is a study?
A study is a technical piece of music that focuses on improving one specific aspect of your violin playing. IT is usually played without a piano accompaniment.
What are some of Kreutzer’s contemporaries?
Mozart, Pierre Baillot, Pierre Rode
What are the characteristics of the Classical Period?
The rhythm is clearly defined and regular, question and answer phrases, more variety and contrast (dynamics, pitch, tempo, key, mood and timbre)
