The Lucky Carl :-)

Once there was a boy named Carl. He was only nine, but he was a pianist good enough to play with a musicianly violinist named Wenzel Krumpholz. Krumpholz played certain new compositions with Carl, and one glorious day said: “Carl, now that you can play fairly well you ought to have a good master. Would you like to meet my friend the composer? He might give you some lessons, but I cannot promise that.” Carl was delighted, played his best, and so pleased the composer, that he was accepted. Master and pupil became friends for life.

Not a very thrilling story? Wait! The composer was Ludwig van Beethoven. Now, who would not envy Carl?

Carl grew up and became one of the most able teachers of his time. He became the friend of Beethoven, was a modest, sincere man who was only too pleased when his pupils outshone him. He trained many marvelous players, but one was so wonderful that he has never been equaled yet. His name was Franz Liszt. It is pleasant to think that this mighty pianist at the age of ten was a grand-pupil of Beethoven.

Carl lived a happy, peaceful and very good life, and died on July 15, 1857. He published thousands of studies which have helped millions to play. It is safe to say that there is not a pianist who has never played at least some of the studies in his “School of Finger-Readiness,” “School of Velocity,” “School of Virtuosity,” or the popular “101 Exercises.” Now you will have guessed his surname. 

Everyone has heard of Czerny. But did you know that he spent most of his time composing symphonies, concertos, and all kinds of serious music? His large works have not lived, but his fame as teacher and composer of educational music will never die.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzE8YmCNahc