Jehin, Frantz Henry

1839-1899

Sometimes written Jehin-Prume. Noted violinist of the Belgian School. Born at Spa. Began to study with Servais when only four years old, and later went to the Conservatory at Liege, where he was a pupil of his uncle, François Prunie. He appeared in concert when he was six years old, and three years later took a prize. After his uncle's death he went to Brussels at public expense, to be in Leonard's and De Beriot's classes at the Conservatory. There he won first prize for violin in 1851 and a prize for harmony. He completed his education with Wieniaksky and Vieuxtemps, and made his debut in Dresden in 1855, afterward appearing with Jenny Lind and the Rubinsteins in Russia. He toured northern Europe; became violinist to the King of Belgium in 1862; spent the next year in Mexico, Cuba, New York and Montreal, where he married Rosita de Jenkins Vecchio, a singer. He again toured Europe in 1866 and the United States from 1869 to 1871. In 1887 he took up his residence in Montreal, becoming professor at Trafalgar Institute. He established a chamber-music society, the Artistic Association, in 1893, but retired from active work in 1896, after a brilliant career, having received many honors. He died at Montreal. Wrote two violin concertos, and more than thirty solos, besides setting songs. His playing was excellent in technique and pure in tone. He taught Eugene Ysaye.