Davies, Fanny

1863-

Noted woman pianist, who belongs to a musical family, her grandfather, John Woodhill of Birmingham, having been well-known as a violoncello player, and her mother equally renowned as an amateur musician of talent. Miss Davies was born on the Island of Guernsey, one of the Channel islands. Her earliest instruction in music was received from Miss Welchman and Charles Flavell of Birmingham, both of whom instructed her in the piano. She studied counterpoint and harmony, in Birmingham, with Dr. A. R. Gaul, and was a pupil of Paul in piano and of Jadassohn and Reinecke in fugue and counterpoint, at the Leipsic Conservatory, from 1882 to 1883. From 1883 to 1885 Miss Davies was a pupil of Mme. Clara Schumann at the Hoch Conservatory at Frankfort and studied fugue and counterpoint with Dr. Scholz. She made her debut at the Crystal Palace, London, in 1885, playing the solo part in Beethoven's Concerto in G. Later she played at the Philharmonic concerts and at the Monday Popular concerts, and made successful tours through England, Germany and Italy. She has appeared with the late Joachim and with Piatti in recital, and has played before most of the reigning sovereigns. As an interpreter of the music of Schumann, Miss Davies is highly regarded by musicians. She has declared her indebtedness to Mme. Schumann for her style and phrasing. She is also a splendid interpreter of Brahms, and has brought forward many new works, rendering them with skill and understanding.