Thalberg

Thalberg, SIGISMOND, one of the most eminent pianists of the century, was born in 1812 at Geneva, where he received his early education under the careful supervision of his mother, the Baroness Wetzlar. At the age of ten he was removed to Vienna, where he continued his studies, showing a special aptitude for languages and music, in which subjects he received instruction from the best masters, as his father destined him for a diplomatic career. Thalberg's first appearance as a pianist was at the age of fourteen, when he played at an evening party at Prince Metternich's. This success was followed up by numerous appearances in Paris, until, overcoming his father's scruples, he was allowed to abandon diplomacy for music. He made tours in 1839 through Belgium, Holland, England, and Russia, and afterwards through Spain, Brazil, and North America, finally settling down at Naples in 1858, where he died on 27th April 1871. Thalberg married Madame Boncher, daughter of the celebrated Lablache and widow of a Parisian artist. His musical compositions comprise more than ninety numbers, principally fantasias and variations. His operas Cristina and Florinda—the latter played before the Queen in London in 1851—were absolute failures. As a pianist, in graceful and brilliant execution and in manual dexterity, he had scarcely a rival. It is said that the under tips of his fingers were 'real little cushions,' which were used with such effect in producing wonderful legatos that Liszt once made the remark: 'Thalberg is the only artist who can play the violin on the keyboard.'