The spirit of Vienna can also be also heard in the music of the Austrian composer/violinist Friedrich (Fritz) Kreisler (1875-1962). His recitals regularly included his own pieces, admitting to these pastiches of Corelli, Pugnani, Vivaldi and many others and claiming in 1935 it would be ‘impudent and tactless to repeat my name endlessly on the programmes’. Over fifty years earlier he had been, at seven, the youngest student ever enrolled at the Vienna Conservatory and after further study in Paris enjoyed an international career in Europe and the US where he eventually acquired American citizenship in 1943.

Amongst his compositions there are two operettas and a violin concerto, yet it was his falsely attributed recital pieces for violin and piano that became staples of the repertoire. When Schott published a modest collection of these works in 1910 they sold in their thousands. They include Tambourin chinois, Op 3, a work reflecting the prevailing vogue for all things oriental. Inspired by a visit to San Francisco’s Chinese Theater, this ‘free fantasy in the Chinese manner’ is notable for its ebullience and soulful central episode.

from notes by David Truslove © 2020