Ignaz Joseph Pleyel (1757-1831) - Nicht bezeichneter Stich

Austrian composer Ignaz Joseph Pleyel received his musical education from Joseph Haydn in Vienna. After completing his studies he became bandmaster for Count Erdödy in 1777. From 1789 he worked as bandmaster at the Strassburg Cathedral. Three years later he directed the "Professional Concerts" in London. In 1795 Pleyel moved to Paris where he opened a music store and a piano factory which his son, Camille, (1788-1855) later took over sucessfully.

Pleyel undertook many long journeys. In 1805 he and his son visited Vienna where they met Beethoven. Pleyel composed at least sixty symphonies and an equal number of string quartets. The style of his chamber music shows how strongly he was influenced by his teacher Haydn. (S.B.)