Fantasia on Rossini's 'Moses', Op.33
Fantasia · Op. 33
Sigismond Thalberg 1812–1871
Fantasia
Form
Op. 33
Catalogue
Score
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Themes & character
His most celebrated showpiece·The three-hand illusion·Rossini source·Liszt's great rival
At a glance
- Catalogue
- Op. 33
- Form
- Fantasia
About the piece
The fantasy on themes from Rossini's Mose in Egitto was Thalberg's signature piece and the work that made him Liszt's only serious rival.
It displays his celebrated invention, the so-called three-hand effect: the melody is placed in the middle register and played by the two thumbs in alternation, while both hands sweep arpeggios above and below it. Audiences leaned forward to count the hands. In 1837 he and Liszt famously played in succession at Princess Belgiojoso's Paris salon, and her verdict has outlived both performances: Thalberg is the first pianist in the world, Liszt is the only one.
The composer
Sigismond Thalberg
1812–1871
Sigismond Thalberg was an Austrian composer and one of the most distinguished virtuoso pianists of the 19th century.
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