F R A N J O K R E Ž M A 1862.-1881.
Franjo Krežma is, without a doubt, unique phenomenom in the history of Croatian music – with his gorgeous talent and ingenuity he worthily fits in the rich Croatian violin tradition, which starts in the XVII. century, when violin becomes on of the most important soloist instruments. Stjepan N. Spadina, and Ivan Mane jarnović after him, represent the period of baroque and classicism, each of them gaining worldwide reputation and fame during their time. Franjo Krežma, shines strongly, although unfortunately shortly, during the period of romanticism, followed by numerous names of Zagreb violin school, including Zlatko Baloković, Ljerko Spiller, Miroslav Šlik, Zlatko Topolski, Josip Klima amongst many.
Born in Osijek, in the year 1862., Krežma moves soon moves to Zagreb with his parents and sisters, where he receives first violin lessons from prof. Gjuro Eisenhuth. In 1870., young artist gives his first public performance – with his sister Anka – to a great success. In 1871., he successfully passes the entrance exam at the Vienna Conservatory, where he continues his education, although he was much younger than the standard age limit. In the year 1875., Krežma finishes his education at the Vienna Conservatory, and receives a certificate of „absolute artistic maturity“, although he was only thirteen at the time, and, with his sister Anka who also graduated from the conservatory, immdiately continues already started concertante career. In the period from 1875-79′ he composes many violin pieces, but also pieces for orchestra. Before his seventeenth birthday he becomes concert-master of Bilse Orchestra (present-day Berlin Phillharmonic). He embarks on lenghty and exhausting tours, numerous soloist concerts and tiresome journeys, but also the period of resplendent success. During his visit to Frankfurt, Krežma’s already frail health was deteriorated, and in spite of medical care he succumbs to his illness 15th of June, year 1881.
With his dedication to art, with his compositions and foremost with his interpretations which were, according to preserved records, leaving the audiences speechlless, Franjo Krežma remains a everlasting inspiration and role model for the generations of young violinist to follow.
Since 1968., biennial Memorial of Franjo Krežma is held in Osijek with great succes, whilst the „Franjo Krežma“ International violin competition will gather the perspective young violinists from around the globe, advocating the estamblishment of standards through which Franjo Krežma himself defind his art.