When Heinrich was 13 years old, he began studying at the Vienna Conservatory and giving concerts. After graduating, he met Niccolò Paganini in Brno on 11 September 1828, who would accompany him for the rest of his life as both mentor and rival - after Paganini's death Ernst was considered the best violin virtuoso in the world. At the age of seventeen, he began performing throughout Europe.
Like many others in his social class, he became a Catholic. Judaism would only cause him problems; true equality was still in sight. He generally tried to obfuscate his true roots; he also took two years off his age. But he never stopped returning to Brno.
The lithographic image below shows a matinee at the home of composer Ferenc Liszt. From left: composer Hector Berlioz, composer Carl Czerny and violinist Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst, with Liszt seated at the keyboard.
Why do you think that despite his former fame, Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst has been completely forgotten?