Prudent, Emile

1817-1863

Able French pianist; born at Angouleme. His parents both died when he was very young and he was adopted by the piano-tuner, Beunie, who first instructed him in music. At ten years of age he entered the Paris Conservatory, where he was in the classes of Le Couppey, Laurent and Zimmermann, and won the first prize for piano in 1833 and the second for harmony in 1834. He made his debut in 1840 at Rennes at a concert with Thalberg. In 1842 he appeared in Paris; visited other parts of France, and gave concerts in Germany, Belgium and other European countries. He played in London in 1848, 1852 and 1853. Though at first he had a struggle to make himself known, he ultimately became very popular in Paris, both as a pianist and teacher. He was excellent in technique, and many of his pupils became distinguished. His compositions are not very original, but are melodious and charming and designed to show the qualities of the executant. They number about seventy, including a symphonic concerto, Les Trois Reves, for piano and orchestra; etudes, and numerous other salon-pieces; and transcriptions.