three-hand illusion

The specific realisation of the three-hand effect in the Fantaisie sur 'Moïse' (Op.33), where the prayer theme 'Dal tuo stellato soglio' from Rossini's opera is presented in the middle register surrounded by broken-chord accompaniment both above and below — Thalberg's most celebrated demonstration of the technique.

In the Moses Fantasy, the prayer theme must be recognisable as a complete melodic line even on first hearing by a listener unfamiliar with the technique. The illusion only works if the melody dominates. If a listener cannot hum the tune after hearing your performance, the balance is wrong.