Gaspard Fritz

Gaspard Fritz (18 February 1716 – 23 March 1783) was a Genevan violinist and composer of the pre-classical period.

Fritz was born in Geneva where his father had moved in 1709 [1] where he "taught to play the violin and other musical instruments".

[2] In addition to the training undoubtedly followed with his father, the child continued his studies with Giovanni Battista Somis in Turin.

Fritz, within a Calvinist society which did not promote the concert or secular opera, found in the common rooms, "The Common Room of Geneva", societies which brought together the community of English origin in Geneva by special authorisation as early as 1738, a space for private expression where instrumental and lyrical music was produced and appreciated.

[5] Between 1742 and 1772, Fritz's success is confirmed by the publication of six opuses in Paris and London, reprints as well as counterfeit editions.