Essipova, Annette (1851–1914)
Essipova, Annette (1851–1914)
Russian pianist who, after establishing a concert career, taught at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and was one of Europe's preeminent teachers. Name variations: Annette Essipoff. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, on February 13, 1851; died in St. Petersburg onAugust 18, 1914; married Theodor Leschetizky, in 1880 (divorced 1892).
Annette Essipova studied with Theodor Leschetizky in Vienna; the two would eventually marry in 1880 and divorce in 1892. Regarded by her contemporaries as a pianist of the highest caliber, Essipova played throughout Europe and in America. She helped Ignace Paderewski early in his career and premiered several of his compositions, including the Concerto and the now ubiquitous Minuet in G. After her tours, she returned to Russia, where from 1893 to 1908 she was the most sought after teacher at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Her high level of technique and beauty of tone were keenly appreciated in Russian pianism. Her students included Sergei Prokofiev, Isabelle Vengerova , Simon Barere, Lev Pouishnov, Ignace Hilsberg, Thomas de Hartmann and others. "Her playing in many ways was perfect," Paderewski wrote in his memoirs, "except when it came to strong, effective pieces—then she was lacking in real force."
John Haag , Athens, Georgia