Adolf von Henselt Biography

Adolf von Henselt was a German composer and pianist, considered to be one of the greatest virtuosos of his time. He retired early from the stage and left a promising career as a composer, but later emerged as the leading teacher of piano in St. Petersburg in the mid-19 century, with a huge influence on generations of Russian pianists. Henselt had a knack for music since childhood and began to learn music at the age of three. He continued his studies in Vienna with Simon Schechter, and then spent two years in isolation, further developing his rich melodic playing style. Later, he suffered a nervous breakdown, possibly as a result of the intense stage-fright he experienced while performing in public. Thereafter, while recovering in Weimar, he caught the attention of the Grand Duchess Maria-Pavlovna, a daughter of the Tsar, and was invited to perform in Russia. He then moved permanently to St. Petersburg, where he was appointed as a court pianist. He remained in the city for the rest of his life, working as an inspector of schools and a teacher to the royal family. Due to stage fright, Henselt ceased his compositions and retired from the stage at the age of 33. He is best remembered as a teacher and considered as a key figure in the establishment of the Russian school of piano playing