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Ignaz Moscheles

MOSCHELES, IGNAZ (1794–1870), pianist and composer. Born in Prague, he studied in Vienna, but settled in London in 1826 as a concert pianist. In 1846 Felix *Mendelssohn (to whom he had given piano lessons in 1824) invited him to become piano teacher at the Leipzig Conservatory. He taught there to the end of his life. Moscheles' playing was noted for its precision and brilliance, but in comparison with Chopin and Liszt was rather classicist in attitude. He wrote many compositions in a Mendelssohnian style, the best being the "Etudes" (Op. 70). He also prepared the piano-vocal score of Beethoven's Fidelio under the composer's supervision (1814), and translated A. Schindler's biography of Beethoven into English, with additions (1841).

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Baker, Biog Dict, S.V.; MGG, S.V.; Riemann-Gurlitt, S.V., incl. bibl.; J. Roche, in: Musical Times (March 1970), 264–6.


Sources: Encyclopaedia Judaica. © 2007 The Gale Group. All Rights Reserved.