Album insights
Friedrich Wilhelm Michael Kalkbrenner, a German pianist renowned for his remarkable vanity, boasted to Chopin about the legacy he believed he would leave behind once his career ended. This self-praise made him a target for mockery by his younger peers, with Heine disparagingly referring to him as a "fallen bonbon" who exuded arrogance with his embalmed smile reminiscent of an Egyptian pharaoh. Despite his grandiose claims, Kalkbrenner's career eventually faded into obscurity, mirroring the impermanence captured in Shelley's Ozymandias: "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nevertheless, during his time, Kalkbrenner was a figure to be reckoned with, showcasing brilliance as a pianist and enjoying a successful career both as a musician and a businessman. Born between November 2nd and 8th, 1785, during a journey from Berlin to Kassel, Kalkbrenner was raised in a unique environment, marked by his father's musical influence and his exposure to royal circles at a young age. The Kalkbrenners departed Germany in 1796, traveling through Italy before settling in Vienna and later Paris, where Friedrich continued his musical education and career.
Starting a glittering solo piano career, Kalkbrenner faced a setback with his father's death in 1806, prompting him to briefly turn away from music. After pursuing agricultural endeavors in Praslin, he sailed to England in 1814 to recover his fortunes, establishing himself as a successful pianist and teacher in London. His innovations, such as the "Chiroplast," a device meant to enhance piano technique, underscored his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to musical advancement.
Returning to Paris in 1824, Kalkbrenner continued his musical legacy, becoming a respected teacher and performer until his death in 1849. His approach to piano playing, characterized by precision and clarity, left a lasting impression on those he mentored, including renowned musicians like Chopin and Saint-Saëns.
While Kalkbrenner's legacy was marred by vanity, he was known for his generosity and support of struggling musicians, including offering assistance to a young Chopin at the start of his career in Paris. Despite the ridicule he faced from contemporaries like Heine and Clara Schumann, Kalkbrenner's impact on the musical world, particularly through his compositions and teaching, remained significant.
Jeremy Nicholas © 2006