Vieuxtemps, Henry (1820–1881)

Belgian violinist and composer. He was admired for his virtuosity in playing his own works and those of other composers. He is remembered for his seven violin concertos and several short pieces for violin. He taught at the St Petersburg and Brussels Conservatories.

Vieuxtemps learnt the violin at home and at the age of six was able to play a concerto by Rode. At seven he was taken on tour by his father; Charles Bériot heard him and offered to teach him at Brussels. In 1828 he performed in Paris, and in 1833 he went on tour in Germany and Austria, remaining in Vienna to study counterpoint with Simon Sechter. In 1834 he first visited London, where he met Paganini, and the following year he studied composition with Antonin Reicha in Paris. He afterwards travelled long and extensively in Europe and in 1844 went to the USA. In 1845 he married the Viennese pianist Josephine Eder. In 1846–52 he was violin professor at the St Petersburg Conservatory. In 1871–73 he taught at the Brussels Conservatory; he suffered a stroke in 1873, and finally resigned in 1879.

Works Orchestral and ensemble seven violin concertos, Fantaisie-Caprice, Ballade et Polonaise, and other pieces for violin and orchestra; violin and piano sonata; cadenzas for Beethoven's violin concerto.