André Mathieu

As a very young child he revealed an exceptional talent for the piano and for composition, which encouraged his father, Rodolphe, to give him his first lessons. He composed Trois Études for piano at four and gave a recital of his works 25 Feb 1935 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, creating a sensation.In December 1936 his recital at the Salle Chopin-Pleyel was received enthusiastically by Parisian critics. In the years that followed, Mathieu's career declined, although he continued to compose - Piano Trio (1947) and Piano Quintet, among other works. Although he did some teaching, he began in his performances to lapse into musical exhibitionism, taking part in "pianothons" which received much gaudy publicity but which deeply disappointed those who had seen in him an exceptional talent. Mathieu, who has been referred to as "the Canadian Mozart" died impoverished and in obscurity before his 40th birthday. His works gained broad public recognition only after his death.