Fritz Kreisler, born in 1875, was a violinist with an extraordinary gift. His career was decorated with romantic compositions and performances that captured hearts globally, making him a household name in classical music. Aside from his breathtaking talent, Kreisler also orchestrated what many consider one of the grandest hoaxes in musical history, to many’s surprise.
Kreisler’s journey began in a musical household, where evenings often concluded with his younger self crafting melodies on a violin made from a cigar box. His mother’clerverly lied about his age and got him into the Vienna Conservatory, making him the youngest student ever to be admitted. By the tender age of ten, Kreisler had not only completed his studies but also won the conservatory’s highest honors.
His prodigious talent soon led him to Paris, furthering his education and, by twelve, winning the Premiere Grand Prix de Rome gold medal after competing against nearly 40 other talented and more experienced musicians. His later triumphs in America showcased not just his musical prowess but also his natural flair for performance. However, a surprising rejection from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra led him to briefly abandon music for medicine and military service.
“In those youthful days, I had some very weird thoughts about my future career. I envisaged myself operating on a patient in the morning, playing chess in the afternoon, giving a concert in the evening, and winning a battle at midnight,” said the musician.
While struggling with his ego, ultimately, music reclaimed its hold on Kreisler, marking the beginning of his second act with the Berlin Philharmonic. He was titled a virtuoso violinist thanks to his immense talent.
And here comes one of the greatest scams in the musical industry. While touring Europe, Kreisler claimed to have discovered lost works by composers like Vivaldi, Martini, and Bach. He also announced that had found these pieces, supposedly found in a French monastery. Needless to say, this grand revelation by Kreisler immediately sent the music world into a frenzy, and his name skyrocketed even more, as people kept flocking to his concerts to hear the acclaimed pieces written by some of the most famous composers in the world.
These music pieces also became a staple of his repertoire, marveling audiences with their authenticity. They were also eagerly adopted by other musicians and quickly became concert staples. The revelation that Kreisler himself was the composer of these works only came to light when directly questioned by a New York Times critic in 1935.
Surprisingly, these music scores weren’t written by Vivaldi or Bach, but by Kreisler himself. The Austrian composer lied to the whole world only to boost the popularity of his own works. He also profited for completely nailing these scores in live performances, which actually makes sense since they were all his, to begin with.
When inquired by The New York Times, his response, “The name changes, the value remains,” sparked widespread debate. Yet, his reputation didn’t suffer because of the hoax; if anything, this episode showcased his dual genius as both a composer and performer.
From a very young age to his international acclaim, Kreisler’s journey in music was marked by his incredible ability to engage and surprise his audience, whether through his performances or the tales he wove around his compositions. Even if he’s most remembered by his international hoax, there’s no denying that Kreisler was extremely talented, and that the revelation only solidifies his immense talent. Kreisler’s story is a testament to his statement that the essence of music remains cherished, regardless of its origins.
“Congratulations Kreisler. You played yourself,” a YouTube user called VegetaPixel commented. Couldn’t have said it better myself.