A Biographical Dictionary of Fiddlers di A. Mason Clarke
Biographical Dictionary of Fiddlers. 291
quished the violin in favour of the commercial speculations which terminated so disastrously for Viotti. Spohr was next placed under the tuition of Francis Eck with whom, with the Duke's consent and patronage, Spohr set out for St. Petersburg upon an artistic tour. On his return in 1803, he applied himself more studiously to his instrument, and became first court violinist, with a salary sufficient for his moderate wants. Shortly after this he undertook a concert tour in conjunction with the 'cellist Beneke, through the principal German towns, which contributed materially to his reputation. In 1805 Spohr was offered and accepted, with the consent of his patron, the position of conzertmeister, solo violin, and composer to the Duke of Gotha, whose orchestra was considered one of the finest in Europe. His salary was now five hundred thalers per annum. In the following year he married Dorette Schiedler, the daughter of the principal Court singer, and herself an excellent performer on the harp. In 1807 the two artists set out on a musical tour which resulted in great success artistically as well as financially. In 1809 they started on an artistic tour in Russia, but they were recalled by the Court chamberlain, who said that the Duchess could not spare them from the Court concerts, but would liberally reward
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Dictionary Fiddlers Viotti Francis Eck Duke Spohr Beneke German Spohr Duke Gotha Europe Dorette Schiedler Court Russia Court Duchess Court Spohr Petersburg His
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