Tchaikovsky
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Karl Davydov (1838–1889)

Karl Davydov

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 Iul'evich Davydov (Карл Юльевич Давыдов, Karl Jul'evič Davydov, Karl Yul'yevich Davidov).

The son of a Jewish doctor and amateur violinist, Iuliii Petrovich Davidhoff (1804–1870), and his wife Doroteia (b. Mikhailovich, 1802–1864), Karl was educated at the Nikolaevskii 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 Mortiz Haupmann, 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.

Tchaikovsky's works dedicated to Karl Davydov:

• Italian Capriccio, Op. 45 (1880).

Tchaikovsky's correspondence with Karl Davydov:

• 13 letters from Tchaikovsky to Karl Davydov have survived, dating from 1872 to 1886.