Zichy, Géza (Count Vazöny-Keö)

views updated

Zichy, Géza (Count Vazöny-Keö) (b Sztára, Hung., 1849; d Budapest, 1924). Hung. pianist, composer, opera intendant, and lawyer. Lost right arm as boy but studied with Liszt and became proficient left-hand player. Pres., Hung. Nat. Acad. of Mus. until 1892. Intendant, Budapest Nat. Opera 1891–4, dir. Nat. Cons. of Mus. 1895–1918. One of his first acts at Budapest Opera 1891 was to dismiss Mahler, who retaliated some years later by successfully defying royal wish for a Zichy opera to be staged in Vienna. Wrote 5 operas (incl. Rákóczy trilogy), pf. conc., pf. studies for left hand, and songs.

More From encyclopedia.com