Henri Marteau

Henri Marteau, born in Reims, France, in 1874, was a virtuoso violinist and composer whose career spanned the globe. His musical journey began at the tender age of five when he met Ernesto Camillo Sivori, a pupil of the legendary Niccolò Paganini. By the time he was ten, Marteau had already made his debut with the Vienna Philharmonic Society under the baton of Hans Richter. His early tours through Switzerland and Germany set the stage for a lifetime of musical exploration and innovation.

Marteau's prowess on the violin was matched by his compositional skills, and he became a champion of the works of his friend and contemporary, Max Reger. The two performed together in over 50 concerts across Europe, and Reger dedicated several compositions to Marteau, including his Violin Concerto Op. 101. Marteau's own compositions, such as his 24 Caprices Op. 25, showcase his technical brilliance and musical depth.

Throughout his career, Marteau taught and inspired generations of musicians in Geneva and Berlin. His home in Lichtenberg became a hub for musical talent, where he lived, taught, and composed until his death in 1934. Despite the tumultuous events of World War I, which led him to obtain Swedish citizenship in 1915, Marteau's legacy endures as a testament to his artistic genius and dedication to the world of music.