LUDWIG

See also:

• LUDWIG STRAUS (1835-1899)

STRAUS (1835-1899)  , Austrian violinist, was born at Pressburg on the 28th of March 1835 . He studied at the Vienna Conservatorium from 1843 to 1848, as a pupil of Bohm; made his first appearance in 1850, and five years afterwards made a tour in Italy; in 1857 he became acquainted with his lifelong friend, the 'cellist Piatti, and toured with him in Germany and Sweden . From 186o to 1864 he was concert-meister at Frankfort, and during these years he visited England frequently, in the year 1864 taking up his residence there . He was for many years leader of Halle's orchestra in Manchester, and a familiar figure at the Popular Concerts in London . He was first violin in the Queen's Band . He retired, owing to ill health, in 1893, and from that time till his death, on the 23rd of October 1899, lived at Cambridge . His playing, whether of violin or viola, had very great qualities; he was perfect in ensemble, and his power of self-effacement was of a piece with his gentle disposition and with the pure love of art which distinguished him through life . A more lovable nature never existed, and his quiet influence on the art of his time was very great .