BACKGROUND TO…

Louise Farrenc (1804-75)

Descended from a long line of artists, including several women painters, Farrenc showed exceptional musical talent; by her mid-teens she was a pianist of professional standard. She started studying composition aged 15 under Reicha at the Paris Conservatoire. In 1821 she married the music publisher and former flautist Aristide Farrenc, who published her earliest piano works. In 1845 her 30 Etudes in all the major and minor keys became required study for all piano students at the Paris Conservatoire.