BIOGRAPHY
Born in 1830, Clémence de Grandval began her musical studies at the age of six. She developed an early interest in composition and, at the age of twelve, began studying composition under Friedrich Flotow. Her earliest compositions were written during her teenage years.

Grandval continued to pursue composition following her marriage. Her family’s considerable financial resources enabled her to maintain her musical career, contributing to her growing prominence and recognition. She subsequently studied composition with Camille Saint-Saëns and piano with Frédéric Chopin.

Throughout her career, Grandval composed under several pseudonyms, including Caroline Blangy, Clémence Valgrand, Maria Felicita de Reiset, and Maria Reiset de Tesier. She was highly regarded by prominent French musicians of her time, including Charles Gounod and Pauline Viardot, and became the dedicatee of numerous works by her contemporaries. Her compositional output encompassed a wide range of genres, including chamber music, songs, operas, choral works, and symphonies.

Grandval received several distinctions in recognition of her compositional achievements. She was awarded the Prix Chartier for chamber music and the Carter Prize in 1881 and 1890, respectively, by the Paris Conservatoire. She was also one of the most prominent composers associated with the Société Nationale de Musique, an organization dedicated to promoting and providing performance opportunities for emerging French composers. Grandval remained active as a composer until her death in 1907.