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Romantic

 

 

Modern

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Keyboard

 

Arthur Friedheim was a Russian-born pianist and composer who was known for his virtuosic performances and his association with the great composer Franz Liszt. He was born on October 26, 1859, in St. Petersburg, Russia, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged their son's musical talents from an early age. Friedheim began his piano studies with his mother, and he showed great promise from the beginning. He made his public debut at the age of nine, playing a Mozart concerto with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. He continued his studies with some of the best teachers in Russia, including Nikolai Zaremba and Anton Rubinstein. In 1875, Friedheim traveled to Weimar, Germany, to study with Franz Liszt, who was one of the most famous and influential composers and pianists of the time. Friedheim quickly became one of Liszt's favorite students, and he spent several years studying with him and performing in concerts throughout Europe. Friedheim's performances were praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. He was known for his ability to play with great speed and accuracy, as well as his ability to convey the emotional content of the music he was playing. He was also known for his improvisational skills, which he learned from Liszt. In 1885, Friedheim made his debut in the United States, playing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He quickly became a favorite of American audiences, and he toured extensively throughout the country. He also became a teacher, and he taught at several institutions, including the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and the New England Conservatory in Boston. Friedheim's association with Liszt continued throughout his life. He edited and published several of Liszt's works, including the Sonata in B minor, which is considered one of the greatest piano works of the Romantic era. He also wrote a biography of Liszt, which is still considered one of the most important works on the composer. Friedheim's career was not without its challenges. He suffered from health problems throughout his life, including a nervous disorder that affected his hands and made it difficult for him to play. He also struggled with financial difficulties, and he was forced to sell many of his possessions to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Friedheim continued to perform and teach until his death in 1932. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest pianists of his time, and as a champion of the music of Franz Liszt. His recordings and writings continue to be studied and admired by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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