Sigismond Thalberg is one of music’s most colourful characters. Thought to have been the son of a wealthy Swiss Count, he was brought up by Joseph Thalberg, though his true date of birth is unknown. He became an incredibly gifted pianist, and his first works were published when he was sixteen years old. He was even considered by many to be a technically superior pianist to Liszt, and a Piano Concerto was therefore essential for his tours. This dramatic and virtuoso score came early in his career. Almost all of his output involved the piano, and to some solo works he provided an accompaniment when an orchestra was available.