Ignace Pleyel (1757–1831)
Haydn’s pupil, a much-played composer in his day, then a publisher and piano maker in Paris: Pleyel is the brand of Chopin’s pianos.
Born in Lower Austria, Ignaz Pleyel studied with Joseph Haydn for several years. He then became music director at Strasbourg Cathedral, and his music — symphonies, quartets, keyboard pieces — circulated enormously throughout Europe.
Settling in Paris in the 1790s, he founded a music-publishing house and, in 1807, a piano factory. The Pleyel firm, developed by his son Camille, became one of the most famous in Europe: Chopin particularly loved its instruments and gave concerts in the Pleyel rooms.
His elegant, melodious music follows directly in Haydn’s footsteps. His small pieces and sonatinas remain useful for students; arrangements of them appear in Clementi’s lessons.
Piano sheet music (1)
- Rondo in C major · level 3