Alkan, Charles Henri Valentin

1813-1888

French pianist and composer. Entered the Conservatory of Paris in his sixth year and remained there eleven years, during which time he was a pupil of Zimmermann. He was successful in several competitions and took the first prize for piano work, while at the Conservatory. After visiting London, he settled in Paris, in 1833, as a teacher of the piano. He published seventy-two works, including etudes, preludes, concertos, sonatas and also songs and transcriptions. His piano music is very difficult, especially his etudes, which are remarkable and which, on account of their technical construction, are very valuable for study.