Diémer, Louis-Joseph. (1843-1919) ALS to Renaud, mentioning Saint-Saens

Diémer, Louis-Joseph. (1843-1919)

ALS to Renaud, mentioning Saint-Saens

Autograph Letter to Emile Renaud (organist of the palace chapel, Versailles), relating his pleasure at performing Renaud's "Valse Brillante" at his recent mantinée concert with C. Saint-Saens who had transcribed it for 2 pianos. On both sides of a small card, boldly signed by the great French pianist and composer.

Diémer studied with Antoine Marmontel and Ambroise Thomas and is remembered as one of the great keyboard virtuosi. Known as "the king of the scale and the trill," he toured as soloist and with the violinist Pablo de Sarasate. The dedicatee of Franck's "Variations Symphoniques" and Lalo's "Piano Concerto in F," he was also among the earliest pianists to record for the grammophone. Diémer was also important in promoting the use of historical instruments, giving a series of harpsichord performances as part of the 1889 Universal Exhibition and contributing to the founding of the Société des instruments anciens. Professor at the Conservatoire, he taught Edouard Risler, Alfred Cortot, Lazare Lévy, Alfredo Casella, Yves Nat and Robert Casadesus, among others! (1873)

Autograph Letter Classical Music