Among many of the beautiful and historic buildings and landmarks located in Leuven, Belgium there are also some incredibly talented and famous individuals to come from this provincial capital. The acclaimed violinist Charles de Beriot as well as the pianist and composer Arthur De Greef are just two, though extremely significant examples of the city’s skilled individuals. And interestingly they represent two centuries of talent with a slight crossover during the middle of the 19th Century. Tourists who are staying in one of the Leuven hotels may be there for the contemporary cultural aspects, though they are probably interested in these and other famous personalities to come from this city.
Beriot was born in Leuven in February of 1802. He showed an early gift for the violin and studied under Jean-Francois Tiby who himself had been a student of Giovanni Battista Viotti. In addition he was largely influenced by Paganini and in his career would develop some pioneering techniques that would greatly influence future players. During his career he served as a chamber violinist to King William I of the Netherlands as well as to King Charles X of France. He successfully toured Paris, London and many other cities in Europe. Leuven now has a street that is names for this great musician.
De Greef was also born in Leuven though it was sixty years later. He was born in October of 1862. He also demonstrated an early talent and won a local competition for composition when he was only eleven years old. Following this he studied piano at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. He was a student of Ignaz Moscheles and after he finished his studies he studied under Franz Liszt. After his formal training he toured as a concert pianist. He began his serious composition work at the age of thirty and is mostly remembered for two of his piano concertos. This is a standard aspect of many composers who are mostly remembered for their work for instruments they play. He was also a well-respected and devoted teacher. He taught piano at the Brussels Conservatory for many years.