Henri Vieuxtemps

Rondino op. 32/2

In the time of travelling violin virtuosos in the 19th century, the Belgian composer Henri Vieuxtemps was regarded as one of the 'greatest', next to Paganini, Spohr, Bériot, Wieniawski and others. His concert tours led him to the 'new world' and through Europe to Russia where he lived in Petersburg for a few years and founded the violin class at the local conservatoire. His most important pupil - after his return to his Belgian home country - was Eugène Ysaÿe. As a composer, he had written compositions mainly, though not exclusively for 'his' instrument, the violin. He also wrote concertos and chamber music, especially catchy salon music repertoire pieces such as his Rondino, a virtuoso piece with a soulful middle section - a real treat as an encore!