Born Strasbourg 1788, died Paris 1855.
After studying the piano notably with his father and the composer Dussek, Camille began touring southern France (1811-1813) giving piano recitals and selling sheet music and pianos. Although he became officially his father's business partner in 1815, he nevertheless spent the whole of the Hundred Days in England, supposedly to avoid the draft. This time in London was successful, with Camille playing not only for the Prince Regent but also Queen Charlotte. On his return to Paris, Camille gradually assumed more of the running of the family piano business. In 1831 he married the pianist Marie Moke, though they were to separate after only four years. He is best known for his close friendship with the virtuoso and composer Chopin and was admired for his generosity and business acumen. He also wrote a number of pieces (published by the Pleyel firm) none of which achieved any fame.
Source: Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2001 s.v., Pleyel, Camille, pp. 922-923
Author: Peter Hicks, May 2007