A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Zimmermann, Pierre

by Adolphe Jullien

ZIMMERMANN, Pierre Joseph Guillaume, distinguished pianist and teacher, born in Paris, March 17, 1785. The son of a pianofortemaker, he entered the Conservatoire in 1798, studied the piano with Boieldieu, and harmony with Rey and Catel. In 1800 he carried off first prize for piano, Kalkbrenner taking the second. His musical education was completed by a course of advanced composition under Cherubini. In 1811 he was appointed 'répétiteur,' or under-master of the pianoforte at the Conservatoire, became joint-professor in 1817, and professor in chief in 1820. This post he held till 1848, when he retired with the title of honorary inspector of pianoforte classes. During this long period he fulfilled his duties with indefatigable zeal and entire devotion, so much so indeed that for the sake of his constantly increasing pupils he entirely gave up appearing in public, and found little time for composition. He did however produce at the Opéra Comique in 1830 'L'Enlèvement,' in three acts, libretto by Saint-Victor, Scribe, and d'Epagny, wholly forgotten, and composed 'Nausica,' a grand opera, which was never performed. He also wrote a number of pianoforte pieces of various kinds, but his most important work is the 'Encyclopédie du Pianiste,' which comprises a complete method of pianoforte-playing, and a treatise on harmony and counterpoint, thus enabling a pupil to carry on his studies in playing and composition simultaneously. In 1811 Zimmermann won the post of Professor of Fugue and Counterpoint thrown open to competition on the death of Eler, but satisfied with the honour of victory decided to retain his favourite piano class. This excellent and devoted professor, a worthy recipient of the Legion of Honour, died in Paris Oct. 29, 1853. A daughter of his became Mme. Charles Gounod.

[ A. J. ]