Beethoven, who arrived in Vienna in 1792, relied on aristocratic patrons, especially after increasing deafness ended his performing career and shifted his focus to composition.
Composer Biography
Robert Schumann initially aimed to be a pianist, but a finger weakness led him to focus on composition instead.
Composition History
Beethoven considered his Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, nicknamed 'Appassionata' (though not by him), to be one of his best works.
Composer Biography
Franz Liszt, inspired by hearing the 'demon violinist' Paganini, became one of the most remarkable pianists of his time.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schumann's Kinderszenen (Scenes of Childhood) was designed to express an adult's memories of childhood, or a reflection of his wife Clara's comment that he sometimes seemed like a child.
Performer Biography
Valentina Lisitsa, the pianist on this recording, has a 'cult-like internet following' with millions of views on her YouTube channel.
Composer Biography
Sigismond Thalberg, a great 19th-century virtuoso pianist, studied in Vienna with Simon Sechter and Mozart's pupil, Hummel.
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