Fritz Kreisler

Austrian Violin Virtuoso and Composer

Fritz Kreisler was an Austrian-born violinist and composer, widely considered one of the greatest violinists of all time. Born on February 2, 1875, in Vienna, Kreisler was recognized for his sweet tone and expressive phrasing. His career spanned many decades, during which he toured extensively and made numerous recordings. Kreisler composed a variety of pieces for the violin, including many that became staples of the violin repertoire. These works often showcased his charming, romantic style and were sometimes originally attributed to other composers before he revealed that they were his own compositions. In addition to his original works, Kreisler made arrangements of other composers' music, which also became very popular. His contributions to the world of music extended beyond performance and composition; he had a significant impact on the interpretation of violin literature from the Romantic era. Fritz Kreisler's legacy is preserved through his recordings and the continued popularity of his compositions among violinists today.