Joachim studied violin early, beginning in Buda at age five, then in Vienna and Leipzig. He made his debut in London in 1844, playing Ludwig van Beethoven's Violin Concerto, with Felix Mendelssohn conducting. He returned to London many times throughout life. After years of teaching at the Leipzig Conservatory and playing as principal violinist of the Gewandhausorchester, he moved to Weimar in 1848, where Franz Liszt established cultural life. From 1852, Joachim served at the court of Hanover, playing principal violin in the opera and conducting concerts, with months of free time in summer for concert tours. In 1853, he was invited by Robert Schumann to the Lower Rhine Music Festival, where he met Clara Schumann and Brahms, with whom he performed for years to come. In 1879, he premiered Brahms' Violin Concerto with Brahms as conductor. He married Amalie, an opera singer, in 1863, who gave up her career; the couple had six children.
Life and Career
Joachim quit service in Hanover in 1865, and the family moved to Berlin, where he was entrusted with founding and directing a new department at the Royal Conservatory, for performing music. He formed a string quartet, and kept performing chamber music on tours. His playing was recorded in 1903.
Key Facts
- Born: June 28, 1831 in Köpcsény, Kingdom of Hungary
- Died: 1907
- Field: Music
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Joseph Joachim extends far beyond his own lifetime. He fundamentally shaped the landscape of music, and his compositions and musical innovations remain foundational to this day.
Though he passed away in 1907, his ideas continue to be studied, debated, and built upon by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
Discover more brilliant minds in Music
Explore Music GeniusesRelated Articles
Explore More
Read the full profile of Joseph Joachim
View Joseph Joachim's Profile →