Louis Ferdinand (actually, Friedrich Christian Ludwig)

Louis Ferdinand (actually, Friedrich Christian Ludwig), Prince of Prussia, German pianist and composer, nephew of Frederick II (Frederick the Great) ; b. Friedrichsfelde, near Berlin, Nov. 18, 1772; d. in battle in Saalfeld, Oct. 10, 1806. He showed remarkable talent as a pianist in childhood. He was educated for a military career, entering the army in 1789; however, he continued his interest in music and later studied composition with Dussek in Hamburg, who subsequently entered his entourage (1804). That same year he met Beethoven, expressing great admiration for his music; in return, Beethoven dedicated his 3^rdPiano Concerto to him. H. Kretzschmar ed. his collected works (Leipzig, 1915–17).

Works

(all publ, in Leipzig unless otherwise given): 2 piano quintets (Paris, 1803, 1806); 2 piano quartets (1806); 3 piano trios (Berlin, 1806); Andante with Variations for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Piano (1806); Larghetto with Variations for Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, and Piano (Berlin, 1806); Fugue for Piano (1807); 2 Rondos for Piano and Orch. (1808, 1823); Octet (1808); Nocturne for Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano (1808).

Bibliography

E. Wintzer, Prinz L. F. von Preussen als Mensch und Musiker (Leipzig, 1915); R. Hahn, L. F. von Preussen als Musiker (diss., Univ. of Breslau, 1935); B. McMurty, The Music of Prince L. F.(diss., Univ. of 111., 1972).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire