Biography
Though most of Thalberg's compositions are of little merit including his two operas, sonatas and concertos his fantasias and variations on operatic themes are worth mention. The fantasias for piano were praised by Schumann who rarely lauded a virtuoso performer. His variations on operatic themes -- particularly those of Meyerbeer, Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, Weber and Mozart -- were particularly appealing to audiences but show a musical sense of illusion as Thalberg would place the melodic line in the middle of the score and it would be played with the respective thumbs of both hands. The melodies were complemented by flourishes of chordal arpeggios in the upper and lower registers. These inventions were technically well-written and well conceived. More importantly was the standing that Thalberg received as a pianist during the middle of the nineteenth century. He was hailed as second only to Liszt and was able to study with Pixis, Kalkbrenner and Moscheles. He and Liszt played a concert together to resolve the claim as to who was the better pianist. The two worked together from that time giving each other support and recognition. Thalberg gained a great deal of respect when he was asked to join a total of six composers in the composition of an "Hexameron" in tribute to Princess Belgiojoso. As a pianist his acclaim was far spread and he gave concerts in Brazil, Havana and the United States. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi



 
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Sigismond Thalberg - Grande fantaisie et variations sur Norma Op. 12 (audio + sheet music)
Sigismond Thalberg - Piano Concerto in F-minor, Op.5 (1830)
Sigismond Thalberg - Piano Sonata in C minor, Op.56
Sigismond Thalberg - Nocturne Op. 28 (audio + sheet music)
Sigismond Thalberg - Tarantella Op. 65 (audio + sheet music)
Liszt v Thalberg: the duel of 1837 (Hungarian, with subtitles)
Sigismond Thalberg - L'art du Chant appliqué au Piano, Op.70 (Complete)
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