Berger, Ludwig

1777-1839

German composer, pianist and teacher. Born in Berlin, where his father was an architect. Began studying there very early, and made great progress under Clementi, in 1804, and went with him to St. Petersburg, also to Stockholm and London, becoming famous as a pianist and teacher. From 1815 until his death he taught in Berlin, where he had many famous pupils, among them, Mendelssohn, Henselt, Taubert and Fanny Hensel, Mendelssohn's sister. On account of his melancholy temperament, he lived a very retired life, which interfered with his musical career. His compositions are mainly works for the piano, including studies, concertos, a toccata and a rondo. He also wrote the opera, Oreste; some cantatas; male quartets and songs.