Géza Zichy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Count Geza Zichy (1849-1924) was a wealthy Hungarian nobleman who lost his right arm in a hunting accident. Following the accident he determined to become a pianist, having demonstrated some talent at an early age. In this he succeeded beyond all reasonable expectations, writing and performing piano music for the left hand to not only dazzle his listeners, but to inspire and lift the spirits of men and women, and especially World War I veterans, who had lost limbs. Franz Liszt was truly impressed by him and wrote glowing tributes of his performances - entire concerts given playing only music for the left hand. He clearly developed into a great artist who transcended his physical limitations to enthrall audiences with his artistry. He donated all he earned from his concerts to charity.
An entire chapter is devoted to this astonishingly fine pianist and truly noble human being in "Piano Music for One Hand" by Theodore Edel (Indiana University Press), a comprehensive survey of a marvellously hopeful world of beautiful music written for those pianists who are suffering as a result of injury or accident.
