Ilona Eibenschütz was born in Budapest, Hungary on May 8, 1873. Eibenschütz was a child prodigy who reportedly played a duet with Liszt when she was six years old. She studied at the Vienna Conservatory and graduated when she was twelve. She then spent four years as a pupil of Clara Schumann. At the same time, Eibenschütz met Johannes Brahms, who worked with her on the interpretation of his piano music and encouraged her further musical development. Following her education, she undertook a succesful performing career that led her throughout Europe. She married Carl Derenburg in 1902 and retired from the stage, living the rest of her life quietly in London. She died there on May 21, 1967.