Elisabeth Brasseur (1896-1972) was a French choral conductor and choir founder, best remembered for the Chorale Elisabeth Brasseur. Her ensemble became an important force in French choral performance.

In the Pristine catalogue she appears through Schuricht’s Beethoven Ninth and complete Beethoven symphony cycle recordings in Paris.

Brasseur’s importance lies in choral preparation and leadership, work that often sits behind the named conductor but determines the musical result. Beethoven’s choral writing needs discipline, blend and stamina.

Her page is justified because the choir carries her name and her musical authority. Brasseur reminds us that a chorus is also an instrument, and someone has to tune its breath.