Max Bruch (1838–1920) was a German composer and conductor, celebrated for his contributions to the Romantic era of classical music. Born on January 6, 1838, in Cologne, Bruch displayed an early aptitude for music, receiving his first violin lessons from his mother at the age of seven. Recognizing his talent, his parents enrolled him in the Cologne Conservatory, where he studied violin under Friedrich Wilhelm David and composition under Ferdinand Hiller.
Bruch's early career was marked by his proficiency as a violinist, and he even worked as a conductor in various German cities. However, it was his compositions that ultimately secured his legacy. One of his early successes was the "First Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 26," completed in 1866. This work, widely regarded as one of his masterpieces, showcased Bruch's ability to combine technical virtuosity with expressive lyricism, earning him acclaim across Europe.