Louis Spohr (05/04/1784 - 22/10/1859), a German composer, violinist and conductor. Born Ludewig Spohr, he is usually known by the French form of his name. Sometimes described as "The Forgotten Master", Spohr was once as famous as Beethoven. As a violinist, his virtuoso playing was admired by Queen Victoria. As a composer he ranks as a historic figure in the development of German music drama whose greatest triumph was in the oratorio. His orchestral writings and chamber works were once considered on a par with Mozart’s.