Karl Davydov

Tchaikovsky Research
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Karl Davydov (1838-1889)

Russian cellist, composer and conductor (b. 15/27 March 1838 at Goldingen, Courland [now Kuldiga, Latvia]; d. 14/26 February 1889 in Moscow), born Karl Yulyevich Davydov (Карл Юльевич Давыдов).

The son of a Jewish doctor and amateur violinist, Yuly Petrovich Davidhoff (1804–1870), and his wife Doroteia (b. Mikhaylovich, 1802–1864), Karl was educated at the Nikolayevsky Institute in Moscow. He graduated from Moscow University in 1858 with a degree in mathematical science. However, his interest in music had developed from an early age, and he had given his first solo recital at just fourteen. After studying at the Leipzig Conservatory with Moritz Hauptmann, he was invited by Anton Rubinstein to become professor of cello at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1863. From 1878 until 1886 he was also the conservatory's director. As a conductor and member of a string quartet, Davydov was among the first to perform Tchaikovsky's works, and the latter called him "The emperor of all cellists in our century".

In 1880, Davydov agreed to relinquish Viktor Burenin's libretto for the opera Mazepa in Tchaikovsky's favour, and the latter dedicated his Italian Capriccio, Op. 45 (1880) to Davydov. After his resignation from the conservatory, Davydov continued to compose and give concert tours in Russia and the West.

Dedications

In 1880, Tchaikovsky dedicated his Italian Capriccio, Op. 45, "À Monsieur Charles Davidoff".

Correspondence with Tchaikovsky

13 letters from Tchaikovsky to Karl Davydov have survived, dating from 1872 to 1886, all of which have been translated into English on this website:

6 letters from Karl Davydov to Tchaikovsky, dating from 1879 to 1891, are preserved in the Tchaikovsky State Memorial Musical Museum-Reserve at Klin (a4, Nos. 785–790).

Bibliography

External Links