Birth

:

July 27, 1902 in Maastricht, The Netherlands

Death

:

July 7, 1987 in Paris, France

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Germaine Thyssens-Valentin was a renowned classical pianist born on November 25, 1902, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She was the daughter of a French mother and a Dutch father, both of whom were musicians. Her mother was a singer, and her father was a violinist. Germaine showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Germaine's parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She began studying piano with her mother and later with the famous Dutch pianist, Cornelius Berkhout. At the age of 12, she made her debut as a soloist with the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major. In 1920, Germaine moved to Paris to study with the renowned pianist and teacher, Alfred Cortot. She quickly established herself as a rising star in the Parisian music scene, performing in concerts and recitals throughout the city. In 1924, she won the prestigious Prix Blumenthal, which provided her with financial support to continue her studies and pursue her career. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Germaine continued to perform in concerts and recitals throughout Europe, earning critical acclaim for her virtuosic playing and sensitive interpretations of classical repertoire. She was particularly known for her performances of the works of Chopin, Debussy, and Ravel. In 1939, Germaine married the French composer and conductor, Jean Fournet. The couple had two children and remained together until Germaine's death in 1996. During World War II, Germaine and her family were forced to flee Paris due to the Nazi occupation. They spent several years living in the French countryside, where Germaine continued to practice and perform in secret. After the war, she returned to Paris and resumed her career, performing in concerts and recitals throughout Europe and the United States. In the 1950s and 1960s, Germaine became increasingly interested in contemporary music and began performing works by composers such as Messiaen, Boulez, and Stockhausen. She also became a respected teacher, giving masterclasses and serving on the faculty of the Paris Conservatory. Germaine's recordings are highly regarded by critics and music lovers alike. She recorded extensively for the French label, EMI, and her recordings of the works of Chopin, Debussy, and Ravel are considered definitive interpretations of these composers' music. Throughout her career, Germaine received numerous awards and honors. In 1961, she was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors. She was also awarded the Grand Prix du Disque and the Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros for her recordings. Germaine Thyssens-Valentin died on February 28, 1996, at the age of 93. She is remembered as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, known for her technical brilliance, musical sensitivity, and dedication to the art of classical piano.

More....