Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1830 in Transylvania, Romania

Death

:

1845 in Vienna, Austria

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Carl Filtsch was a Romanian pianist and composer who was born on May 1, 1830, in Mühlbach, Transylvania, which is now known as Sebeș, Romania. He was a child prodigy who began playing the piano at the age of four and gave his first public performance at the age of six. His father, Johann Filtsch, was a musician who recognized his son's talent and became his first teacher. At the age of seven, Carl Filtsch was sent to Vienna to study with the famous pianist and composer Franz Liszt. Liszt was impressed with the young boy's talent and took him under his wing, becoming his mentor and friend. Filtsch studied with Liszt for three years, during which time he gave numerous concerts throughout Europe and gained a reputation as a virtuoso pianist. In 1840, at the age of ten, Filtsch composed his first work, a set of variations on a theme by Mozart. He continued to compose throughout his short life, producing a number of works for piano, including sonatas, nocturnes, and études. His compositions were influenced by the Romantic style of Liszt and Chopin, and he was known for his technical virtuosity and expressive playing. In 1842, Filtsch returned to Romania and gave a series of concerts in Bucharest, which were well-received by audiences and critics alike. He continued to perform throughout Europe, including in Paris, London, and Berlin. In 1845, he gave a concert in Leipzig, where he met the composer Felix Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn was impressed with Filtsch's playing and invited him to perform at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. Filtsch's career was cut short when he died of tuberculosis at the age of 14 in 1845. Despite his short life, he left behind a legacy of music that continues to be admired by musicians and audiences today. His compositions for piano are considered to be some of the finest examples of Romantic music, and his virtuosic playing inspired many other pianists of his time. Some of Filtsch's most famous works include his Sonata in F minor, Op. 2, which was composed when he was just 12 years old. The sonata is a dramatic and expressive work that showcases Filtsch's technical skill and emotional depth. Another notable work is his Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 6, which is a lyrical and romantic piece that demonstrates Filtsch's ability to create beautiful melodies. In addition to his original compositions, Filtsch also transcribed works by other composers, including Liszt and Chopin. His transcriptions are known for their technical difficulty and virtuosic flair, and they remain popular among pianists today. Despite his short life, Carl Filtsch made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His talent and virtuosity inspired many other musicians of his time, and his compositions continue to be admired and performed today.

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