A childhood diagnosis of polio shifted the musical trajectory of Pierre Fournier, who found that the physical demands of piano pedals were incompatible with his condition. Turning to the cello at nine years old, he began a career that would lead to his graduation from the Conservatoire de Paris in 1923 at the age of seventeen.
Early Career and Technique
Fournier received foundational training from Odette Krettly before studying under André Hekking and Paul Bazelaire. His early reputation as a virtuoso grew through his membership in the Krettly Quartet between 1925 and 1929, as well as his association with the Concerts Colonne Orchestra. His technical proficiency was marked by a distinct bowing style.
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His international career faced a significant challenge in 1949. An investigation by the National Purging Committee in France revealed that he had performed 82 times on Radio-Paris during the German occupation. For these appearances, he received 192,400 francs. The committee found him guilty of collaboration and imposed a six-month ban on his performance activities.
Legacy and Teaching
Fournier held teaching positions at the École Normale de Musique and the Conservatoire de Paris until 1949. Later in life, he maintained a private studio in Geneva, where he taught students including Julian Lloyd Webber and Rocco Filippini.
Recorded Works and Instruments
His recorded output remains a central part of his professional history, including the 1960 Bach suites recorded in Hannover and various works by Brahms, Schubert, Beethoven, and Elgar. He utilized three specific instruments throughout his career: a 1722 Matteo Goffriller, an 1863 Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, and an 1849 Charles Adolphe Maucotel, the latter of which he used for his final recordings.
Fast facts
- Born: 1906, 15th arrondissement of Paris
- Died: 1986, Geneva
- Education: Conservatoire de Paris
- Primary Instrument: Cello
- Awards: Officer of the Legion of Honour, Commander of the Order of Leopold II, Officer of Arts and Letters
- Citizenship: France
Questions readers ask
Which composers dedicated works to Pierre Fournier?
Bohuslav Martinů dedicated his Cello Concerto No. 1 and Francis Poulenc dedicated his Cello Sonata to him.
Did Fournier receive any Grammy Awards?
Yes, he won Grammy Awards for Best Chamber Music Performance in 1975 for Brahms and Schumann trios and in 1976 for Schubert trios, alongside Arthur Rubinstein and Henryk Szeryng.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Commander of the Order of Leopold II
- Instruments: cello
- Genres: classical music
