Country

:

France

Birth

:

June 29, 1898 in Ermont, Seine-en-Oise, France

Death

:

January 23, 1986 in Paris, France

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Yvonne Lefébure was a French classical pianist who was born on October 24, 1898, in Valenciennes, France. She was the daughter of a music teacher and began her musical education at a young age. Her father recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Lefébure studied at the Paris Conservatory under the tutelage of Isidor Philipp, a renowned pianist and teacher. She won first prize in piano performance at the conservatory in 1916, at the age of 18. She continued her studies with Philipp and also studied with other notable pianists such as Alfred Cortot and Marguerite Long. In 1920, Lefébure made her debut as a soloist with the Lamoureux Orchestra in Paris. She quickly gained recognition for her virtuosic playing and musical sensitivity. She performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States, playing with major orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Lefébure was known for her interpretations of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Frédéric Chopin. She was particularly admired for her performances of Bach's keyboard works, which she played with a clarity and precision that was unmatched at the time. In addition to her solo performances, Lefébure was also a sought-after chamber musician. She played with many of the leading musicians of her time, including violinist Jacques Thibaud and cellist Pablo Casals. Lefébure was also a dedicated teacher and taught at the Paris Conservatory from 1941 to 1965. She was known for her rigorous teaching methods and for instilling a deep love and respect for music in her students. Many of her students went on to have successful careers as pianists and teachers themselves. Throughout her career, Lefébure received numerous awards and honors. She was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1955 and was promoted to Officier in 1964. She also received the Grand Prix du Disque for her recordings of Bach's keyboard works. Lefébure continued to perform and teach until her death on January 26, 1986, in Saint-Tropez, France. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century and as a beloved teacher who inspired generations of musicians.

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