Russian pianist celebrated for her singing tone, grace, and finesse. Critics liked to contrast her playing with that of her great contemporary, the fiery Teresa Carreño (Carreño, Teresa).

The daughter of a high Russian official, Esipova entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where she was a pupil of Theodor Leschetizky (Leschetizky, Theodor) (whom she married in 1880). From 1871 to 1892 Esipova lived mainly in western Europe. Her London debut took place in 1874, her first Paris appearance in 1875. In 1876 she toured the United States. Esipova's repertoire included works by Chopin, Schubert, Mozart, and Beethoven. In later years she taught at the St. Petersburg Conservatory; among her distinguished pupils was Sergey Prokofiev (Prokofiev, Sergey).