UNSCHULD VON MELASFELD, Marie

The pianist, piano teacher and composer was the daughter of Field Marshal Lieutenant Wenzel Ritter. She began taking piano lessons at the age of five under the guidance of a maternal aunt. She made a name for herself as a piano virtuoso and performed successfully throughout Europe. She gave advanced piano lessons in Vienna until 1903. The following year she emigrated to the USA, where she attended the University of Music and Dramatic Art in Washington D.C. in 1904. founded. In 1907 she married Henry Lazard, and in 1908 their daughter Madeline was born, who was also taught by her. From 1919 she went on concert tours with Madeline through the USA and Europe. She also continued to be a sought-after piano teacher, successful soloist and committed chamber musician.