Ignas Pleyel Program Notes and Sheet Music

Ignaz Pleyel (1757-1831) was an Austrian-French composer, music publisher, and piano maker. He was born in Ruppersthal, Austria, and studied music with Joseph Haydn. Pleyel was a prolific composer, writing over 40 symphonies, 70 string quartets, several operas, piano solo pieces, and chamber music. He was also a successful businessman, founding a music publishing company and a piano manufacturing company. Pleyel was a close friend of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the two composers often collaborated on musical projects. Pleyel was a major figure in the Classical music era, and his music continues to be performed today.

Here are some of the highlights of Pleyel's career:

• Studied music with Joseph Haydn
• Composed over 40 symphonies, 70 string quartets, several operas, piano solo pieces, and chamber music
• Founded a music publishing company and a piano manufacturing company
• Close friend of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Major figure in the Classical music era
• Music continues to be performed today