Czerny, Karl

1791-1857

Very famous teacher of the piano. He was born in Vienna. Was a pupil of his father, Wencezlas Czerny, and also of Beethoven and Clementi, whose method of teaching he studied. Beethoven offered to teach him and became his warm friend, introducing him to his patron, Prince Lichnowsky, whose friendship later proved of the greatest benefit to Czerny. As a boy he showed great skill in music and at ten he could play by heart the works of all the celebrated masters. In 1804 he made preparations for a tour, but abandoned it because of the unsettled state of the Continent and devoted himself instead to teaching and composing. Among his pupils were Liszt, Thalberg, Belleville, Mme. Oury and other musicians who became famous in later years. It was said of him that he would take no pupils except those who showed special talent. Liszt was only ten when he became his pupil. From 1816 until 1823 he had music performed by his best pupils at his house, where Beethoven loved to visit. Czerny was modest and simple in his manner and mode of life and helpful and encouraging to all young artists, if assured of their ability. About 1850 his health began to fail and he was forced to take a rest. Seven years later he died. He had neither brothers, sisters or near relatives and he never married. His printed works consist of nearly one thousand numbers, and at one time he had difficulty in supplying the demands of his publishers. He also left an immense collection of manuscripts now in the museum at Vienna, including twenty-four masses, four requiems, three hundred graduals and offertories, symphonies and songs. He also arranged, as a special commission, the overtures of Semiramide and William Tell for eight pianos (four hands each).