A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Pfeiffer, Georges

by A. J. Hipkins

PFEIFFER, Georges, pianist and composer, was born at Versailles, Dec. 12, 1835. His first piano lessons were from his mother, Mme. Clara Pfeiffer, an excellent pianist of the school of Kalkbrenner. Maleden and Damcke first taught him composition. He gained a brilliant success at the Conservatoire concerts in 1862. His compositions include a symphony, a quintet, trios, sonatas, concertos, of which the 3rd has been repeated several times in Paris. Also an oratorio, 'Agar'; a symphonic poem, 'Jeanne d'Arc'; an overture, 'Le Cid,' and a quantity of piano music, including some well-known studies. His last important work is a comic opera, 'L'Enclume,' represented in 1884 and '85. M. Pfeiffer is a partner in the piano firm of Pleyel, Wolff & Cie, Paris, and although he has fully maintained his artistic reputation he has yet found time to devote serious attention to tins business. He succeeded his father, Emile Pfeiffer in this position. His great uncle, J. Pfeiffer, was one of the pioneers of piano-making in Paris.

[ A. J. H. ]