Osborne, George Alexander

1806-1893

Irish pianist and composer. His father was organist and lay-vicar of the Cathedral at Limerick, where George was born. At eighteen he went to Brussels, where he studied the classical works in the Prince di Chimay's library. Here he met Malibran and Fetis, who gave him much helpful advice. He taught the Crown Prince of the Netherlands, and was decorated with the Order of the Crown of Oak. At Paris he formed lasting friendships with Berlioz and Chopin, at whose debut it is stated Osborne played one of his pianos. He studied under Pixis and later with Kalkbrenner. He settled in London in 1843, where he lived until his death. He belonged to the Musical Association, to which he gave his recollections of Chopin and Berlioz. He was also a member of the Philharmonic Society, directed the Royal Academy of   Music, and was vice-president of Trinity College. His works include some songs; three trios for piano and strings; a quartet; piano and violin duets, written in collaboration with other musicians; a piano and cello sonata; a sextet for piano, strings, and wind-instruments, in which he played at his last appearance at one of the Wind-instrument Society concerts about two years before his death; and many pieces for the drawing-room, which were very popular. Among them the best were La Pluie des Perles; A Summer Eve; Evening Dew; and Marche Militaire.