Pleyel, Ignaz (Joseph)

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Pleyel, Ignaz (Joseph) (b Ruppersthal, Vienna, 1757; d Paris, 1831). Austrian composer, violinist, pianist, and founder of piano firm. Became choirmaster at Strasbourg Cath. 1789. Cond. concerts in London 1791–2. Set up as mus. dealer in Paris 1795, founding pf. factory 1807. Composed 29 syms., 45 str. qts., 18 fl. qts., 2 vn. concs., 4 vc. concs., 2 pf. concs., 6 pf. sonatas, etc. His son Camille (1788–1855) became his partner in 1821 and they were joined by Kalkbrenner in 1824. Camille was succeeded by Auguste Wolff. After Wolff's death, his son-in-law Gustave Lyon (1857–1936) assumed control. In 1961 firm was merged with Gaveau-Érard, but still made pianos under name Pleyel. Merged firm bought by Schimmel of Brunswick, 1976.

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