A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Praeger, Ferdinand

PRAEGER, Ferdinand christian Wilhelm, son of Heinrich Aloys Praeger, violinist, composer, and capellmeister, was born at Leipzig, Jan. 22, 1815. His musical gifts developed themselves very early; at nine he played the cello with ability, but was diverted from that instrument to the piano by the advice of Hummel. At sixteen he established himself as teacher at the Hague, meanwhile strenuously maintaining his practice of the piano, violin, and composition. In 1834 he settled in London, where he still resides, a well-known and much esteemed teacher. But though living in London Mr. Praeger has not broken his connexion with the Continent: he is still correspondent of the 'Neue Zeitschrift für Musik,' a post for which he was selected by Schumann himself in 1842. In Jan. 1851 he gave a recital in Paris of his own compositions with success; in 1852 he played at the Gewandhaus, Leipzig, and at Berlin, Hamburg, etc.; and later, in 1867, a new PF. trio of his was selected by the United German Musicians, and performed at their festival at Meiningen. He has always been an enthusiast for Wagner, and it was partly owing to his endeavours that Wagner was engaged to conduct the Philharmonic Concerts in 1855. He is beloved by his numerous pupils, and a concert of his compositions was organised by them in his honour, on July 10, 1879, in London. An overture from his pen entitled 'Abellino' was played at the New Philharmonic Concerts of May 24, 1854, and July 4, 1855 (under Lindpaintner and Berlioz); and a Symphonic Prelude to Manfred at the Crystal Palace, April 17, 1880. A selection of his best pieces is published in 2 vols. under the title of the 'Praeger Album' (Kahnt, Leipzig).

[ G. ]