A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Plaidy, Louis
PLAIDY, Louis, born Nov. 28, 1810, at Wermsdorf, in Saxony, learnt the pianoforte from Agthe, and the violin from Haase, of Dresden. He was first known as a violinist in the Dresden concerts, but afterwards turned his attention especially to the pianoforte, and was so successful as to attract the notice of Mendelssohn, who in 1843 induced him to take the post of pianoforte teacher in the Leipzig Conservatorium. There he attained a great and deserved reputation. His class was always thronged, and his instruction eagerly sought by pupils from all parts of the world. This popularity arose from his remarkable gift (for it was a gift) of imparting technical power. Were a pupil ever so deficient in execution, under Plaidy's care his faults would disappear, his fingers grow strong, his touch become smooth, singing, and equal, and slovenliness be replaced by neatness. He devoted his life to technical teaching, and brought all his powers and experience to bear upon his celebrated work 'Technische Studien,' which is now a standard textbook in every music school. Great attention to every detail, unwearying patience, and a genuine enthusiasm for the mechanical part of pianoforte-playing were his most striking characteristics. He was a man of a most simple and kindly nature, and took a warm interest in his pupils. He died at Grimma, March 3, 1874.
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