London (1870–1873)

When the Franco-Prussian War erupted, in 1870, Tellefsen, his wife and their daughter Jeanne left for London. Soon afterwards, a distinguished group of their acquaintances also arrived there. Thanks to Tellefsen’s numerous contacts, the whole family could soon support themselves from teaching and performing. The Tellefsens lived in Westburn Park and apparently rented an apartment for teaching in the boarding house of Miss Hutchinson at 13b Porchester Terrace. They also gave many concerts together. A concert given by Tellefsen’s wife in the spring of 1873 was discussed in a review of the most prestigious events of the season. On that occasion, Severine Tellefsen performed with the German pianist Ernest Stoeger. Not until the autumn of that year did the family return to Paris. Tellefsen's health deteriorated rapidly, and the composer died less than a year later, on 6 October 1874.