Praeger was born in Leipzig, to Jewish parents. He studied the cello as a child but on the advice of Hummel took up the piano. In 1831 he moved to The Hague and in 1834 went on to London, which thereafter became his home.
He continued as a teacher and a composer, marrying his French wife Léonie in 1850. His many compositions include piano music, chamber music, and orchestral works. His overture Abellino was conducted by Hector Berlioz in London in 1855. He wrote a number of pieces to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee (1887), and was still composing shortly before his death in 1891. Some of his works are dedicated to his musical friends, including an 1889 Impromptu dedicated to the composer Ethel Smyth. He was active in British musical social life and worked with many musicians visiting Britain, including Antonín Dvořák.
Today Praeger is best known for his alleged close friendship with Richard Wagner and his biography, "Wagner as I Knew Him." Praeger's account of Wagner's life, criticized for exaggeration and inaccuracies, still offers some valuable insights into Wagner's personality and work, particularly during his time in London.
Not much of Praegar's orchestral music survives. He wrote two Trauermarsch for orchestra and the symphonic prelude, Manfred.
Symphonic Prelude - Manfred 1880
This was performed at the Crystal Palace Saturday afternoon concerts and repeated in 1888.
The programme notes for this concert are quite detailed.
(double click on the image to enlarge it)
SAMPLE: Manfred - opening
