"In this house became Ludwig Spohr on 5th April 1784 born." So reads the plaque above the door of one of the oldest houses in Braunschweig, the birthplace of Ludwig Spohr, a composer, violinist and conductor. Highly regarded during his lifetime, he wrote nine symphonies, ten operas, fifteen violin concertos, four clarinet concertos and various works for small ensembles. His parents encouraged his early musical abilities, his mother was a gifted singer and pianist and his father played the flute. Duke Karl Wilhelm gifted him money for his studies, and aged 15, Ludwig became a member of the Duke's chamber orchestra in Braunschweig.
Spohr held various musical posts throughout Germany, and practised at Beethoven's home, working on the Piano Trio Op 70, No 1, The Ghost. He wrote that, "the piano was out of tune and Beethoven's playing was harsh and careless." Spohr invented the violin chinrest and orchestral rehearsal marks. Having been pensioned off early against his wishes, he then broke his arm in 1857 which ended his career as a violinist, although he continued to conduct orchestras and ensembles. He died in Kassel in October 1859, and his work is now rarely performed.
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| This corner section of the "Spohr House" dates from 1357. |
The corner section of the house is the oldest, dating from 1357. You can see the door to Spohr's house to the left, which was added in 1748. The wing to the right was added in 1518. This house mostly survived the war, sustaining little damage, but has been extensively restored. The photo below shows detail of the wooden structure of the house.
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| A close-up of the 1357AD section of the timbered house. |
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