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Thoroughly successful in her day, Luise Adolpha Le Beau was a German composer, pianist and critic. She started composing at 15 and made her piano debut at 18. She performed her own compositions for Hans von Bulow, gaining his lifelong encouragement, and was briefly a pupil of Clara Schumann. She had a highly fruitful period after moving to Munich in 1874, winning composition prizes and many favourable reviews of her works. She met Brahms, Liszt and Hanslick during extensive concert tours. She met with both warm appreciation and deep prejudice about being a woman composer. When her Op 24 Cello Pieces won an international competition in Hamburg in 1882, the 'Herr' printed on the certificates had to be crossed out and replaced with 'Fraulein'! Le Beau's style is characterised by strong, well-shaped themes and strict sonata structures. She wrote in many genres including opera, choral and other vocal works, orchestral and chamber pieces.
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