Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst

Violinist and composer who wrote "Concerto Pathetique" and "Elegie" which both display his romantic spirit and pathos. These pieces both represent the zenith of violin methodology as Ernst's "Six Polyphonic Studies" do exemplify solo violin, without accompaniment, at its best. Ernst studied the violin with Boehm and followed Paganini on tour. He would play the unpublished works of Paganini having only heard the pieces performed by the composer. Paganini was so impressed that they soon appeared in concert together in Marseilles. Ernst also performed quite successfully in the Haymarket in London (where he eventually settled) and was described as the finest living violinist. Joachim and Mendelssohn, after Paganini's death, considered Ernst the greatest violinist. He was also afforded the opportunity to play under the baton of Hector Berlioz. ~ Keith Johnson