Chapters XI through XIII Summary and Analysis

Chapters XI through XIII covers the period that ends nineteenth century romanticism.

Chapter XI Old Arpeggio, Other Salonists, and the American Penetration notes the significant presentation differences between Liszt and his rival Sigismond Thalberg. Liszt wildly gesticulated back and forth all over the keyboard when he played whereas Thalberg sat erect and formal with minimal movement. He developed a specialty in the 1830s that earned him the nickname "Old Arpeggio." (Arpeggio is a musical term that refers to playing notes of a chord one after another rather than at one time.) Thalberg played the melody with his thumbs in the middle of the keyboard while his fingers played arpeggios up and down the keyboard. This technique created an impression of playing with a third hand. Old Arpeggio recommended pressing the keys with energy and vigor...