Pierre Fournier

Pierre Fournier (June 24, 1906 – January 8, 1986) was a French cellist who was called the "aristocrat of cellists," on account of his elegant musicianship and majestic sound.

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He was born in Paris, the son of a French Army general. His mother taught him to play the piano, but he had a mild case of polio as a child and lost dexterity in his feet and legs. Having difficulties with the piano pedals, he turned to the cello.

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He graduated from the Paris Conservatory at 17, in 1923. He was hailed as "the cellist of the future" and won praise for his virtuosity and bowing technique. He became well known when he played with the Edouard Colonne Orchestra in 1925. He began touring all over Europe. He played with all the great musicians of the time, and recorded the complete chamber music of Brahms and Schubert for the BBC on acetates. However, these deteriorated before the recordings could be transferred to a more durable medium.

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Fournier taught at the ?cole Normale de Musique and the Paris Conservatory from 1937 to 1949. He made his first tour of the United States in 1948 and played to great acclaim in New York and Boston.

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From 1956 on, he made his home in Switzerland, although he never relinquished his French citizenship. In 1963, he was made a member of the French Legion of Honor.

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He continued performing until two years before his death at the age of 80.

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June 24: June 24 is the 175th day of the year (176th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 190 days remaining....

1906: 1906 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar)....

January 8: January 8 is the 8th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 357 days remaining (358 in leap years)....

Pierre Fournier related Images and Photos (experimental)

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Pierre Brasseur August 1 1957	Roses Pierre de Ronsard	Pierre de Suffren-Saint-Tropez	Pierre-Joseph-Guillaume Zimmermann