Eibenschütz-Dernbourg, Ilona (1872–1967)

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Eibenschütz-Dernbourg, Ilona (1872–1967)

Hungarian pianist. Name variations: Ilona Eibenschütz. Born in Budapest, Hungary, on May 8, 1872; died in London, England, on May 21, 1967; student of Clara Schumann.

Ilona Eibenschütz-Dernbourg is chiefly remembered as a student of Clara Schumann . She was one of a group of students, fortunate enough to study with Schumann, who passed on a unique style of piano playing which traced back to the early 19th century when the instrument evolved. Eibenschütz-Dernbourg was also directly exposed to the thinking of Johannes Brahms, a friend and close associate of Schumann's, who listened attentively to all of Schumann's students, commenting on their progress. Eibenschütz-Dernbourg played many of Brahms' works in public at a time when they were considered both modern and difficult to understand. Returning to London to concertize and teach, she passed on the valuable legacy of both Schumann and Brahms.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia