Marie Proksch facts for kids

Marie Proksch (born in 1836 – died on May 17, 1900) was a talented pianist, music teacher, and composer from Bohemia. Bohemia was a region that is now part of the Czech Republic. She was known for her musical skills and for helping to run an important music school.

Who Was Marie Proksch?

Marie Proksch was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to music. She grew up in a very musical family and became famous for her piano playing. Later, she also taught music and wrote her own pieces.

Early Life and Musical Family

Marie Proksch was born in Prague, the capital city of Bohemia. Her father was Josef Proksch, a well-known pianist and music teacher who was blind. Josef Proksch was quite famous himself, as he even taught music to Bedřich Smetana, a very important Czech composer.

Marie learned music directly from her father. Growing up in such a musical home helped her develop her own amazing talents from a young age.

A Talented Pianist

As Marie grew older, she became a skilled concert pianist. This meant she performed piano concerts for audiences. In 1856 and 1857, she went on a big concert tour. This tour included spending several months in Paris, France, which was a major center for music and art at the time. Her performances made her well-known as a concert pianist.

Leading a Music School

Marie's father, Josef Proksch, had founded a music school in Prague in 1830. It was called the Musikbildungsanstalt Institute. After her father passed away in 1864, Marie and her brother, Theodore Proksch, took over running the school.

They continued their father's work, teaching many students and helping them learn about music. When her brother Theodore died in 1876, Marie took on even more responsibility for the school.

Her Compositions

After her brother's death in 1876, Marie Proksch also started writing her own music. She composed pieces mainly for the piano. Her compositions added to her legacy as a versatile musician, not just a performer and teacher, but also a creator of music.

Marie Proksch passed away on May 17, 1900, leaving behind a legacy as an important figure in Bohemian music.