BIOGRAPHY
Born in 1830, Clémence de Grandval began her musical studies at age six. She became interested in composition during her youth,¹ and began writing music at the age of twelve under the tutelage of Fredrich Flotow. Grandval’s earliest compositions were completed during her teenage years.²

Grandval continued composing after her marriage. Her family’s wealthy financial status provided the opportunity for Grandval to continue her musical career after marriage, and her fame and recognition increased. Subsequently, she studied composition with Camille Saint-Saëns and piano with Frédéric Chopin.³

Grandval composed with many pen names such as Caroline Blangy, Clémence Valgrand, Maria Felicita de Reiset, and Maria Reiset de Tesier. Grandval was highly regarded by her French contemporaries such as Charles Gounod and Pauline Viardot, and became the dedicatee of many of their works. Her compositions included chamber music, songs, operas, choral works, and symphonies.

Grandval received numerous awards for her compositions. She received the chamber music Prix Chartier award and the Carter Prize in 1881 and 1890, respectively, from the Paris Conservatoire. Grandval was the most well-known composer and played a major role in the Société Nationale de Musique. This organization helped upcoming French composers perform their works for the public. Grandval continued composing until her death in 1907.⁴