Stephen Heller

Stephen Heller was a Hungarian pianist, teacher, and composer whose career spanned from the period of Schumann to Bizet. Born in 1813 in Pest, Hungary, Heller was initially destined for a legal career but chose to pursue music. At age nine, he performed publicly, leading to studies in Vienna. His first concert in Vienna was a success at the age of 15, which led to a concert tour throughout Hungary, Poland, and Germany. Heller settled in Paris at 25, acquainting with figures like Berlioz and Chopin, focusing on concert performance and teaching. He passed away in 1888, a near-forgotten figure.