Louis Spohr (1784-1859) - Reproduktion eines Selbstporträts des Komponisten aus der Zeit um 1807

Composer, violinist and conductor Louis Spohr was born as a doctor's son in Braunschweig. He received a musical education in his native town and began his first employment as a ducal chamber musician at the age of 15. In 1802 he became a student of Franz Eck and accompanied his teacher on an extensive journey. After his return to Braunschweig Spohr soon obtained success as a violin virtuoso and from 1804 on, he became internationally renowned through various concert journeys. In 1806 he married harpist Dorette Scheidler. Until 1821 they successfully toured all over Europe. Their series of journeys was once interrupted by a longer stay in Vienna between 1813 and 1815 when Spohr held the position of bandmaster at the "Theater an der Wien".

At that time he made Beethoven's acquaintance and his compositions - particularly in the area of chamber music - were met with a first tremendous success. However, Spohr left Vienna in 1816 to resume his concert journeys.

Between 1817 and 1819 he was director of the Frankfurt Opera and mainly focused on composing incidental music. Later, he lived in Dresden where he met Karl Maria von Weber. Finally, he moved to Kassel and successfully held the position of director at the Elector's theatre until 1832. Now he was one of the most celebrated German musicians of his time. In 1847 he was named general music director in Kassel and enjoyed wealth and public recognition. His unfinished autobiography contains a detailed description of his encounter with Ludwig van Beethoven and their arresting conversations.(S.B.)