First Conductor To Use Baton

Radio Record, 29 April 1938, Page 19

First Conductor To Use Baton

MET WITH FRIENDLY DUKE AND AN UNSCRUPULOUS PUBLISHER

AMONG musical composers, the name oi Louis Spohr does not signify much to the present generation, but the story of his life is as romantic as any could wish. His works were notably fine and_ his standing in his day as a Violinist second only to that of Paganini. Born in Brunswick town, he learnt to sing in the choir as a boy, and In

his fifth year he was presented with a diminutive violin on which he taught himself to play, When little Louis did arrive at the stage when he was taught musie in a regniar way, he seems to have had as tutors those who, for the most part. (through jealousy of his amazing ability), did more to hinder than to help their pupil.

Spohr’s early days were far from happy. but a boy who devoured classical orchestral scores like normal lads read penny dreadfuls, had to be reckoned with. When he waylaid the Duke of Brunswick and personally presented a petition for assistance, His Grace displayed real graciousness, allowed him to play at one of the weekly concerts, and took him under the ducal wing. After Spohr played, the duke tapped him on the shoulder and said: "The talent is there; I will look after you. Come tomorrow morning to me," Spohr was finding his feet, and composed his first concerto, which he dedicated to his patron. He bargained with a publisher for no pay. only a few free copies. The publisher demanded ‘that the hoy purehase qa hundred copies at half-price, Anxiety to see his work in print so that he could present a printed copy to the duke (himself also a violinist), determined him to accept this one-sided hargain. The concerto was handed to the publisher-but not a copy was given him until he cashed np the full amount for those he had agreed to buy. It was not the first time, nor the last, that a publisher took advantage of a musical gzenius, He was the first conductor to ever use a baton, and Queen Victoria’s favourite fiddler. This pioneer in opera, oratorio, symphony and concerto, wag to compose fourteen more violin concerts after the first which he paid so dearly to have published. The best of these, No. 8 in A Minor, Op. 47; is te oceupy a place on 4YA’s programme on Sunday, May.1. This splendid work will be played by Professor George Kulenkampff, violinist, and the Berlin Philharmonic OrchesTa. —