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Austrian-born American virtuoso violinist and composer, renowned for his sweet tone, expressive phrasing, and charming compositions. Child prodigy who entered the Vienna Conservatory at age 7 and the Paris Conservatoire at 10. Made his American debut in 1888. Briefly studied medicine and served in the Austrian army. Resumed his musical career around 1899, achieving global fame as a soloist. Emigrated to the United States in the 1930s and became a citizen. Composed numerous popular pieces, many initially attributed to classical masters. His playing style defined violin performance for decades.

• Kreisler was a child prodigy, granted admission to the Vienna Conservatory at age 7 by a special decree, becoming its youngest ever student.
• In a famous musical hoax, Kreisler published many of his own compositions (like "Praeludium and Allegro" and "Liebesfreud") under the names of lesser-known Baroque and Classical composers (Pugnani, Vivaldi, Couperin, Padre Martini) as "Classical Manuscripts". He confessed the ruse in 1935, causing a minor scandal but ultimately enhancing his reputation as a composer.
• During World War I, Kreisler served briefly as an officer in the Austrian army. He was wounded and discharged, later writing about his experiences in "Four Weeks in the Trenches".
• In 1941, Kreisler was struck by a truck while crossing a street in New York City. Suffering a severe skull fracture, he was in a coma for over a week. Remarkably, he made a full recovery and returned to performing within a year.
• Kreisler became a naturalized American citizen in 1943.