Marcelina Czartoryska

Princess Marcelina Czartoryska (1817–1894) – Polish pianist and organiser of charitable works. She began her musical education in Vienna, with Carl Czerny, then from 1844 or 1847 was taught by Fryderyk Chopin (during his difficult last years, marked by serious illness, she took particular care of him), earning a reputation after his death as the best interpreter of his works, preserving the composer’s unique style of playing. At the Czartoryskis’ Paris residence, the Hôtel Lambert, she organised a variety of musical events, and it was there, in 1851, that Thomas Tellefsen made his Parisian debut as a pianist. It was also the venue for the Mozartists’ Club set up at the Princess’s initiative, the members of which included Tellefsen, Auguste Franchomme and Charles Gounod.