Berthe Marx

[1] She began to study the pianoforte at the age of four, receiving her first instruction from her father, who for 40 years was a violoncello-player in the Conservatoire de Paris and Grand Opera orchestras.

At this institution, she gained the first prize for piano playing under Henri Herz’s guidance, and afterwards studied with Stephen Heller.

[2][3] Upon completing her studies, Marx undertook a series of concert tours through France and Belgium, everywhere meeting with a cordial reception.

At Brussels, she met Pablo de Sarasate, who, recognizing her great talent, engaged her as soloist and accompanist, in which capacities she accompanied him on his tours through Europe, Mexico, and the US; she played in all in about 600 concerts.

Perhaps the greatest occurred in 1894, when she played about 250 works by heart, during a series of concerts in Berlin and Paris.