Love’s Sorrow, Love’s Joy

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962 ) is remembered as one of the twentieth century’s most important violinists. Born in Vienna, he fled to France during the Second World War and later became a naturalized American citizen. Even through scratchy old recordings we can get a sense of his sweet, sensuous tone, musical warmth and elegant phrasing. His intense, expressive vibrato, used on almost every note, was revolutionary.

Kreisler’s contribution as a composer for the violin is also significant. He performed these pieces as encores at the end of concerts. Some of his music, written in the style of past composers and attributed to them as newly discovered works, were part of an elaborate hoax. (An example is Sicilienne & Rigaudon). Other gems such as Liebesleid (Love’s Sorrow) and Liebesfreud (Love’s Joy) represent the last vestiges of pre-war Vienna, a world he watched disappear.

Here are a few of his recordings. Notice that the style of the day included expressive portamento (connecting certain notes with slides) reminiscent of a singer:

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”28″ size_format=”px”]Liebesleid[/typography]

This clip features two performances of Liebesleid. The first was recorded in Berlin on February 14, 1930. The second, featuring orchestra accompaniment, was recorded at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music in 1942.

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”28″ size_format=”px”] Liebesfreud[/typography]

This recording of Liebesfreud comes from 1938. In this clip and one which follows, notice Kreisler’s sparkling spiccato (bouncing bows) and perfect sense of rhythmic timing:

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”28″ size_format=”px”]Schön Rosmarin [/typography]

Schön Rosmarin, or “Lovely Rosemary” recording in 1936:

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”28″ size_format=”px”]Caprice Viennois[/typography]

Finally, here is Caprice Viennois from a 1942 recording:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kreisler-plays-kreisler/id696917015″]Find on iTunes http://www.amazon.com/Plays-Kreisler-Fritz/dp/B000003G1K”]Find on Amazon

About Timothy Judd

A native of Upstate New York, Timothy Judd has been a member of the Richmond Symphony violin section since 2001. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he earned the degrees Bachelor of Music and Master of Music, studying with world renowned Ukrainian-American violinist Oleh Krysa.

The son of public school music educators, Timothy Judd began violin lessons at the age of four through Eastman’s Community Education Division. He was a student of Anastasia Jempelis, one of the earliest champions of the Suzuki method in the United States.

A passionate teacher, Mr. Judd has maintained a private violin studio in the Richmond area since 2002 and has been active coaching chamber music and numerous youth orchestra sectionals.

In his free time, Timothy Judd enjoys working out with Richmond’s popular SEAL Team Physical Training program.

3 thoughts on “Love’s Sorrow, Love’s Joy”

  1. As a youngster I took a Music Appreciation course. The teacher, and avid admirer of Fritz Kreisler and the soprano Lily Pons, introduced us to Kreisler and Caprice Viennois. She also provided us with the opportunity to attend 3 Friday afternoon concerts of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Only one other girl and I welcomed this treat. Although I am not at all sure that I truly appreciated my good fortune at the time, I do think that experience had a lasting effect on me.

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  2. Young. Love. Inspired. Broken. Pained. Happy.

    Which came first? Love’s Sorrow or Love’s Joy

    Who knows but we need to know both to live our lives

    Reply
  3. Hello, I wanted to ask a question. I’m sure I’ve heard this song as a lullaby in a movie, but I can’t remember. is that so? or is my mind confusing me?

    Reply

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