Louis Spohr

Louis Spohr (1784-1859) was a German violinist, composer and conductor. His family was musical: his father was a physician and played flute, his mother was a pianist and singer. Sphor began violin at age 5. He also began to try composition, chiefly violin duets.

Spohr did not have any formal training, but taught himself by studying scores and texts. At his first public appearance at a school concert, he played his own concerto. After finally getting some financial help for further training, he spent many years traveling and playing concerts, conducting and composing.

Spohr made his debut with the London Philharmonic in 1820. From this time on, he was very famous in England. Spohr was the first conductor to use a baton. He also had the idea to put rehearsal letters in the music to aid in rehearsals and he invented the chinrest.

The violin duet was among Spohr’s primary compositions throughout his life. The Duetto in D Major, op.67, was written in 1824 and has three movements:

I. Allegro

II. Larghetto

III. Rondo