Sigismund thalberg biography for kids

Although little known to today’s concert goers, Thalberg’s is a key name in piano history.

Sigismund thalberg biography for kids

Almost exactly contemporary with Liszt, his only rival among nineteenth century virtuosi, he brought a classical poise, magisterial technique, exquisite touch and impressive intellectual rigour to performances which earned the widespread admiration of his peers.

(His teachers included Hummel, Kalkbrenner and Moscheles.) If, in comparison to Liszt he was found wanting in fire and imagination, he more than compensated with a uniquely eloquent cantilena based on long and serious study of bel canto singing.

Liszt himself commented on his extraordinary ability to ‘play the violin on the piano’.

Widely believed to be an illegitimate son of Count Moritz Dietrichstein, Thalberg was sent to Vienna at an early age to study law but by 1826 was playing in private soirées; his