Life and Letters of Sir Charles Hallé
Being an Autobiography (1819–1860) with Correspondence and Diaries

The autobiography of Sir Charles Hallé, the pianist, conductor and founder of the Hallé Orchestra.

Charles Hallé (Author), C. E. Hallé (Edited by), Marie Hallé (Edited by)

9781108001823, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 July 2009

448 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.57 kg

Sir Charles Hallé (1819–95) was a German pianist and conductor. At the age of 17 he moved to Paris, where he spent twelve years studying and performing, while moving in circles which included Berlioz, Chopin, Liszt, de Musset and George Sand. In the revolutionary year 1848 he moved to London, where he initiated a series of piano recitals, playing first in his own home and later in St James's Hall, among which he gave the first performance in England of the complete Beethoven piano sonatas. In 1849 he moved to Manchester, and after forming an orchestra for a one-off event in 1857, he began to give regular concerts with it, and conducted it until his death: it is now the world-famous Hallé Orchestra. In this fascinating book, edited by his son and daughter, Hallé's autobiography is accompanied by a selection of letters and extracts from his diaries.

1. Early years: Hagen, Darmstadt and Paris: 1819–1838
2. Life in Paris: 1838–1848
3. Life and labours in Manchester and London: 1848–1866
4. Postscript: 1865–1895
Diaries and notes of travel
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Classical music [c 1750 to c 1830 AVGC4]