Franz Liszt had a one-arm pupil for five years, who learned good enough
to put on lots of charity concerts. I heard it on Paul Harvey's radio
program.
Count Geza Zichy (1849-1924) of Budapest, Hungary, lost his right arm
at age 17. He studied piano with Mayrberger and Volkmann, and for five
years under Franz Liszt. He was a very rich man, and his sincerity to
learn moved Liszt to teach him.
He performed concerts regularly, all over Europe, with all the proceeds
going to charities as he was already wealthy. He was President of the
National Budapest Conservatory.
He played concerts for 40 years, composed at least 5 etudes, a con-
certo, a sonata, and two operas. He wrote an autobiography, because
he wanted to show that nothing was impossible.
Will Herzog
|