Asiya Korepanova as Liszt with a special secret guest as Thalberg
The 1837 Liszt-Thalberg rivalry was the most legendary piano duel in music history, pitting the fiery, theatrical showmanship of Franz Liszt against the elegant, subtle "three-hand" technique of Sigismond Thalberg.
They performed their blazing concert fantasies and paraphrases on operatic themes against each other at a competition hosted at the Paris salon of Princess Cristina Belgiojoso as a benefit concert for Italian refugees.
The glittering assembly of critics and nobles refused to declare a definitive loser. Princess Belgiojoso diplomatically announced, "Thalberg is the first pianist in the world—Liszt is unique."
PROGRAM:
Thalberg
Fantasy on the themes from "Moïse", a Rossini's opera
Liszt Grand Fantasy on the themes from "Niobe", a Pacini's opera
Thalberg
Grand Caprice on the motives of "Sonnambula", a Bellini's opera
Intermission
Liszt Reminiscences from "Robert Le Diable", a Meyerbeer's opera
Thalberg
Final Andante from "Lucia di Lammermoor", a Donizetti's opera
Liszt Reminiscences from "Don Juan", a Mozart's opera
