Herz, HENRI

Herz, HENRI, a pianist and composer for the pianoforte, was born of Jewish parentage at Vienna in 1806, and educated principally in Paris, where his talent was early recognised. His compositions became popular over Europe, and he was received with great applause on visiting England in 1834, and America in 1846. In 1837 he received the decoration of the Legion of Honour; and from 1842 till 1874 he was professor of Music at the Conservatoire of Paris. At the same time he managed a pianoforte factory, and in 1855 gained with his pianofortes the first prize at the Paris exhibition. His compositions, more than 200 in number, are mostly for the piano, and are characterised by melodic charm and a certain originality. He died 5th January 1888.