Country

:

France

Birth

:

May 22, 1897 in Lille, France

Death

:

October 30, 1958 in Paris, France

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Marcelle Meyer was a French classical pianist who was born on May 22, 1897, in Lille, France. She was the daughter of a music teacher and began playing the piano at a young age. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she was sent to study at the Paris Conservatory at the age of 11. Meyer's studies at the Paris Conservatory were interrupted by World War I, during which she served as a nurse. After the war, she resumed her studies and graduated with a first prize in piano in 1920. She then went on to study with the renowned pianist Alfred Cortot. Meyer's career as a concert pianist began in the 1920s, and she quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading interpreters of French music. She was particularly known for her performances of the music of Maurice Ravel, who was a close friend and collaborator. One of Meyer's most notable performances was her 1928 premiere of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, which was dedicated to her. The performance was a great success, and Meyer went on to perform the concerto many times throughout her career. Meyer also had a close relationship with the composer Francis Poulenc, who dedicated several works to her. She premiered his Piano Concerto in C-sharp Minor in 1929 and went on to perform it many times throughout her career. In addition to her performances as a soloist, Meyer was also a sought-after chamber musician. She frequently performed with the violinist Jacques Thibaud and the cellist Pablo Casals, among others. Meyer's career was interrupted by World War II, during which she was forced to flee Paris and go into hiding. After the war, she resumed her career and continued to perform until her death in 1958. Throughout her career, Meyer received many honors and awards. She was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1936 and was promoted to Officier in 1950. She was also awarded the Grand Prix du Disque in 1954 for her recording of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major. Meyer's legacy as a pianist and interpreter of French music has continued to be celebrated in the years since her death. Her recordings have been reissued on CD, and her performances continue to be studied and admired by musicians and music lovers alike.

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