Bigot de Morogues, Marie (1786–1820)

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Bigot de Morogues, Marie (1786–1820)

Alsatian pianist. Born in Colmar, Alsace, on March 3, 1786; died in Paris, France, on September 16, 1820.

This remarkable pianist who was respected by both Haydn and Beethoven was born in Colmar, Alsace, on March 3, 1786. After hearing her play, Haydn said admiringly, "My dear child, that music is not mine; it is yours." Beethoven was believed to have said to her, "That is not exactly the reading I should have given, but go on. If it is not quite myself, it is something better." In 1814, Marie Bigot de Morogues reputedly played Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata at sight from the manuscript. An 1807 letter to her from Beethoven strongly suggests that the great composer was in love with her, even though she was already married.