Composer of the Month 10/2009: Louis Spohr   (selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)

Germany 8.9.1959 Louis Spohr was born in Brunswick on April 5th, 1784. On numerous journeys through Europe, he at first made himself a name as violin virtuose. As a conductor he worked in Gotha, Vienna, Frankfurt, Dresden and Kassel and participated as a conductor at numerous music festivals in Germany and England. In this role Spohr contributed fundamentally to the development of the modern orchestra culture. His job as teacher and composer wasn't less important. Louis Spohr has enriched the musical literature on each of its areas by masterpieces. His numerous instrumental works earn primarily admiration. Louis Spohr died on October 22, 1859 in Kassel. In October 2009 we celebrate his 150th death anniversary. The video shows the harpinist Chloé playing Louis Spohr's "Great Fantasy for Harp". More composer portraits can be found in the members only section.