American Violinist Albert Spalding Born in 1988

Spalding was one of the first American violinists to make recordings

American violin virtuoso Albert Spalding was born on this day in 1888.

An internationally acclaimed violinist and composer, Spalding was one of the first American violinists to make recordings — with his last recording completed just 10 days before he died.

He frequently performed concerts throughout his life and made his solo debut at age 7 in Paris performing Saint-Saëns' Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor and Bach's Chaconne in D minor. He made his New York City debut in Carnegie Hall 3 years later. In 1941, Spalding premiered Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto with Eugene Ormandy and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

His compositions include a String Quartet in E minor, a suite for orchestra, and two violin concerti.

Throughout his career, he held teaching positions at Boston University and Florida State University and gave masterclasses at The Juilliard School.

He is remembered in history for having given the premiere performance of Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto.

He died in New York in 1953, at the age of 64.

ALBERT SPALDING | SCHUMANN | TRAUMEREI