Zichy, Count Geza

1849-

A distinguished Hungarian pianist, composer and poet. He was born in Sztara in 1849. When a youth he lost his right arm, but pursued his musical studies under Mayrberger, Volkmann and later under Liszt, and became known as a one-handed piano virtuoso. He appeared in concerts in Vienna, Budapest and Paris. Count Zichy held the position as president of the Hungarian National Academy of Music, and in 1892 became intendant of the Royal Opera House and National Theatre of Budapest. His compositions include studies for the left hand alone, and the operas Alar and Meister Roland, songs and choral works. He is also known as the writer of Hungarian lyric poems, epics and dramas.