Background
Charles de was born on December 20, 1802, in Louvain, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
Charles de was born on December 20, 1802, in Louvain, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
At 9 he played a concerto by Viotti in public and his later wonderful development was due to his native musical talent and individuality. He went to Paris in 1821, made a triumphant debut there and became chamber-violinist to the King of France and also was appointed solo violinist to the King of the Netherlands (1826-30). Through the Revolution he lost position and salary and from 1830-1835 made concert-tours through Europe, many with Mme. From 1843-1852 he was professor of violin at Brussels Conservatory. But failure of eyesight, and paralysis of left arm, necessitated his retirement
In 1836 he married with Garcia Malibran. After her death in Septemper, he did not appear in public until 1840.
