Charles Hallé: a Beethoven champion in Manchester

Although much has been written about 19th century Beethoven reception in England and the figures who promoted his works, attention has largely focussed on the city of London. In comparison, very little attention has been given to Manchester and in particular the significant contribution of Charles Hallé. Perhaps best known for establishing the first professional orchestra in England, Hallé was also a celebrated pianist and a Beethoven champion. He gave the first known complete Beethoven piano sonata cycle (a feat he repeated on several occasions) at a time when a significant proportion of Beethoven’s oeuvre still caused bewilderment and confusion, and through his judicious concert programming he systematically increased awareness of Beethoven’s larger works, helping to establish their popular appeal. This article explores Hallé’s admiration for Beethoven through accounts in letters, biographies and contemporary newspapers, and in so doing reveals the considerable knowledge he acquired of the composer by tracing his encounters with those who had known him personally. It is perhaps no coincidence that Hallé’s performances were often regarded by critics as coming closest to the original spirit of the composer, and by examining Hallé’s editions (Chappell and Forsyth), fascinating insights into the performance practices and pianism which gave rise to this reputation can be gleaned, confirming Charles Hallé’s contribution to Beethoven studies has yet to be fully uncovered.