A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Wartel, Pierre
WARTEL, Pierre François, born April 3, 1806, at Versailles. From 1823 to 1828 he was a pupil in Choron's School of Music, and afterwards at the Conservatoire under Banderali and Nourrit, where he obtained a first prize for singing. From 1831 to 1846 he played small tenor parts at the Grand Opéra. He afterwards sang with success in Germany, but on his return to Paris devoted himself entirely to teaching. He was considered one of the best teachers of the day, and among his pupils must be named Christine Nilsson, Trebelli, Mlle. Hisson (Grand Opéra) etc. M. Wartel has another claim for distinction, as having introduced into France and popularised Schubert's songs. Indeed it was he who drew the attention of the Viennese to them in 1842, at a time when Schubert was completely eclipsed by Proch, Hackel, etc., and an occasional performance of the Wanderer was the only sign of his existence (Hanslick, Concertwesen, 346). [App. p.815 "add date of death, August 1882."] Wartel's wife,
Atala-Therese-Annette, née Adrien, was born July 2, 1814. Her father was violinist at the Grand Opera, and leader of the Conservatoire band. She received instruction in music at the Conservatoire, was appointed accompanyist there, and in 1831 obtained a professorship, which she resigned in 1838. She was the first female instrumentalist ever engaged at the Société des Concerts. In 1859 she visited England with her husband, and gave a concert at the house of Mr. Grote, where she played Mendelssohn's Pianoforte Trio in D minor with Joachim and Patti [App. p.815 "for Patti read Piatti"]. She composed Studies and other works, including her Lessons on the Piano-forte Sonatas of Beethoven. [App. p.815 "add that Mme. Wartel died Nov. 6, 1865."] Their son,
Émil, was engaged for many years at the Théâtre Lyrique, but has since then established a vocal school of his own.