As we countdown the days 'til Father's Day, we would like to share some Handsome Gifts ideas sure to please any Dad.
For the cultured Dad: a bronze-clad bas relief plaque of Hungarian composer and pianist, Franz Liszt. Liszt was fascinated with his father's playing of the piano and string instruments. By seven, his father was giving him lessons. By eight, little Franz was composing rudimentary music. His talent caught the attention of music patrons who sponsored his studies, as a youngster, in Vienna. When the 16 year old Franz's father died, his family moved to Paris where the boy needed to work to help support his family. He taught piano lessons and found himself racing around the large city to keep his far-flung appointments. Working long, irregular and late hours, Franz began drinking and smoking—habits he would maintain throughout his life.
As a young man, Liszt considered a vocation in the priesthood. However, he was convinced (after hearing Paganini in a violin concert) to work to become a virtuoso on the piano, which he did.
As a composer, Franz Liszt had a productive career both in terms of output and in terms of influence. The music he wrote, in the middle of the 19th Century, was complex, wonderful and innovative—to the point where he greatly influenced composers of the Twentieth Century.
The bronze-clad bas relief sculpted portrait, shown above, captures the maestro in his later years. It is fitted to hang on the wall. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
More Father's Day gift ideas tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248