Biography
As the head of an influential dynasty of German musicians, F.W. Rust established his reputation as a violinist of considerable renown and a pianist of solid proficiency. Works for the violin that demand exceptional technical precision bear witness to his command of the instrument. His education included violin and keyboard instruction from Muller, further violin study with Benda, and composition lessons with C.P.E. Bach, all received in Potsdam. While serving Leopold III and the Dessau court, Rust sought to transform the town into a leading musical destination; that effort received formal recognition with his appointment as court director of music in 1775. The D minor solo sonata remains his most celebrated piece for violin.