Pleyel As Music Publisher

In 1786 composer Ignace Pleyel (1757-1831), weary of the profits being reaped by printers and distributors of his compositions, was persuaded to become his own publisher.

Maison Pleyel, as his firm was known, established itself in Paris, first publishing Pleyel's own King of Prussia Quartets, and eventually acquiring the works of such composers as Haydn, Dussek, Mozart, and Boccherini.

Most notable of Pleyel's achievements was the publication of the first miniature scores in a series entitled Bibliotheque Musicale.

Presented here is the history of Maison Pleyel, as it grew and changed throughout its forty years of existence.

Through excerpts of journal articles, correspondence, and historical references, Dr. Benton' s posthumously published work provides valuable insights into the world of 19th-century publishing and musical life.

The book contains, in addition to an introduction, reader's guide, and source citings, seven detailed indices of the firms publications: Composers, Publishers, Engravers and Printers, Poets,Dedicatees, Plate Numbers, and Titles and Text Incipits.