Kreutzer, Forty - Two Studies or Caprices for Violin (Schirmer)
A foundational classic of violin study, this enduring collection by Rodolphe Kreutzer remains an essential milestone for serious students. The 42 Études ou Caprices are among the most influential technical studies ever written, forming a core part of intermediate to early advanced training. Carefully structured to strengthen bow control, left-hand agility, shifting, and tonal consistency, these studies continue to serve as a technical bridge to major concerto and sonata repertoire. This Schirmer Library of Classics (Volume 230) edition, edited by Edmund Singer, includes a brief biography of Kreutzer and presents the complete 42 studies in a practical and accessible format. Kreutzer—renowned as a violinist, teacher at the Paris Conservatory, conductor, and composer—also holds a unique place in history as the dedicatee of Violin Sonata No. 9, Op. 47 by Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most celebrated works in the violin repertoire.
Key Features:
- Complete 42 études for intermediate to early advanced players
- Core technical development: bowing, shifting, and intonation
- Edited by Edmund Singer
- Includes brief biographical notes on Kreutzer
- Part of Schirmer Library of Classics (Vol. 230)
- Standard conservatory and studio repertoire
Rodolphe Kreutzer (15 November 1766 – 6 January 1831) was a French musician who excelled as a violinist, teacher, conductor, and composer of forty French operas, including La mort d’Abel (1810).
Kreutzer is widely recognized as the dedicatee of Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 9, Op. 47 (1803) is one of the most celebrated works in the violin repertoire. Although Kreutzer did not perform the piece himself, he significantly impacted its creation. Beethoven originally dedicated it to George Bridgetower, the violinist who premiered the piece. However, Beethoven revised the dedication after a dispute to honour Kreutzer instead.
A must-have for the serious violin student, these famous exercises are standard repertoire for the intermediate to early advanced player.
