A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Montigny-Rémaury, Caroline

MONTIGNY-RÉMAURY, Caroline, born at Pamiers (Ariége) Jan. 21, 1843. Her elder sister and godmother, Elvire Rémaury, now Mme. Ambroise Thomas, an excellent pianist, first taught her music, but anxious to secure her every advantage, entered her in 1854 at the Conservatoire, in the pianoforte class of Professeur Le Couppey. In 58 she gained the first prize for piano; in 59 a prize for solfeggio: and in 62 the first prize for harmony. Shortly after this Mme. C. Rémaury played Mendelssohn's Concerto in G minor at one of the concerts of the Conservatoire, and her animated and vigorous interpretation of this favourite work, at once placed her in the first rank of French pianists. In 1866 she married Léon Montigny, a political writer on the staff of the 'Temps,' but was left a widow in 72. She has constantly mixed in society of the best kind, and is as much appreciated for her ready wit and attractive originality as for her musical talent. She has not yet published any composition, declining to print the 'transcriptions' which she occasionally plays to her intimate friends. She is now at the head of the pianoforte virtuosi of France, and her recent visits to England and tours on the Continent are extending her reputation over Europe. Her repertoire is large; her playing is free from affectation; her tone powerful, her style at once vigorous, tasteful and refined; and she interprets with fidelity the spirit of each master whose works she produces. The impression she leaves is that of a true musician, gifted with an extraordinary memory and with intellectual powers above the average.

[ G. C. ]