The British Musical Biography

[E] May, Florence, pianist and composer,
daughter of the foregoing, born in London.
Her musical talent showed itself very early,
and was fostered by her father and uncle ;
but it was not until some years later, after
receiving some lessons from Madame Schu-
mann, that the young pianist devoted herself
to music as a profession. Through Madame
Schumann's influence, Johannes Brahms
accepted Florence May as a pupil, and to that
happy circumstance is due her great success
as an interpreter of his music. After some
years spent in Germany, she returned to
London about 1873, and continuing her
studies for a further period, she gave her
first recital in the Beethoven Rooms, Febru-
ary 3, 1875. At the Bennett Memorial
Concert, March .0, at St. James's Hall, she
played the deceased ^Master's F minor Con-
certo. Then followed engagements in Loudon,
Liverpool, and other places. Further study
in harmony, etc., with her father and Sir G.
A. Macfarren was followed by another visit
to Germany, and she studied under Bargiel,
in Berlin. Two compositions of hers, Bene-
dictus and Osanna, were performed in Berlin
at that time. In 1885 she returned to London,
but has since made several tours in Germany,
giving recitals in Vienna, 1890-96, etc., and
has t xkeu her place among the leading pianists
of the time, giving annual recitals in London.
Her published compositions include Three
Mazurkas, Bourree ; Waltzes, op. 4 ; and
other pf. pieces. Three choruses for female
voices ; Six songs with German and English
words (her own translation). She has also
edited a collection of pieces by Old Masters,
from works written for harpsichord, including
some by Henry Symonds (q-v.).

entry id: 277-L-15