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Keywords: Four Weeks in the Trenches, The War Story of a Violinist, Fritz Kreisler, Biography, World War 1
Four Weeks in the Trenches The War Story of a Violinist By Fritz Kreisler, 1915
"While coming from the station I saw two young reservists, to all appearances brothers, as they hurried to the barracks, carrying their small belongings in a valise. Along with them walked a little old lady crying, presumably their mother. They passed a general in full uniform. Up went their hands to their caps in military salute, whereupon the old general threw his arms wide open and embraced them both, saying: "Go on, my boys, do your duty bravely and stand firm for your emperor and your country. God willing, you will come back to your old. mother." The old lady smiled through her tears, A shout went up, and the crowds surrounding the general cheered him. Long after I had left I could hear them shouting."
Fritz Kriesler (1875-1962), was an Austrian violinist. He was a child prodigy who entered a Vienna conservatory at age seven to study piano and violin. He toured American at age 14. While his technique was considered to be flawed, his emotional, expressive interpretation of music connected with audiences. He was acknowledged to be the most accomplished violinist of his age. A social man, he loved gambling and drinking, and detested practicing. He composed showcase pieces for violin and attributed them to composers of earlier centuries. He also collected rare books.
