Spencer, Eleanor, 1890-1973.

Eleanor Spencer (b Chicago, 30 Nov. 1890, d Locarno, Switzerland, 12 Oct. 1973) began studying piano as a small child, and performing at age 10. She studied with William Mason, and at 14 moved to Europe, where she continued her studies with Harold Bauer and Theodor Leschetizky. Her recital debut was in Bechstein Hall in London on 28 Apr. 1910, after which she performed further in Britain and Europe, including many appearances with major orchestras. Her American debut was in Carnegie Hall on 3 Nov. 1913. Spencer garnered consistently good notices for both her solo and orchestral performances; critics noted her strong technique, rich sound, and tasteful musical sense. She settled in Paris and based her career in Europe until the start of World War II, when she moved to New York. By that time she had started to go deaf and begun a decade-long hiatus from performance, during which she retrained herself. In the mid-1940s, though deaf, she resumed periodic solo performances, receiving strong reviews. Spencer spent her last years in Switzerland.

From the guide to the Eleanor Spencer papers, 1900-1973, 1900-1954, (The New York Public Library. Music Division.)

Eleanor Spencer (1890-1973) was an American pianist, who, after going deaf in the late 1930s, later retrained herself and continued her career as a performer.

She began studying piano as a small child and performing at age 10. Spencer studied with William Mason and at 14 moved to Europe where she continued her studies with Harold Bauer and Theodor Leschetizky. Her recital debut was in Bechstein Hall in London on 28 Apr. 1910, after which she performed further in Britain and Europe, including many appearances with major orchestras. Her American debut was in Carnegie Hall on 3 Nov. 1913. Spencer garnered consistently good notices for both her solo and orchestral performances; critics noted her strong technique, rich sound, and tasteful musical sense. She settled in Paris and based her career in Europe until the start of World War II, when she moved to New York. By that time she had started to go deaf and begun a decade-long hiatus from performance, during which she retrained herself. In the mid-1940s, though deaf, she resumed periodic solo performances, receiving strong reviews. Spencer spent her last years in Switzerland.

From the description of Eleanor Spencer papers, 1900-1973, 1900-1954 (bulk). (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 81412969