Franz Liszt was born on October 22, 1811, in the village of Raiding, in the Kingdom of Hungary, which is now part of Austria. His father, Adam Liszt, was an accomplished musician who played several instruments and worked for the Esterházy family, a notable Hungarian noble family. Recognizing his son’s prodigious talent early on, Adam Liszt provided Franz with his first piano lessons at the age of seven. By the time he was nine, young Franz was already performing in public, demonstrating his extraordinary gift for music.
In 1821, the Liszt family moved to Vienna, a major cultural center in Europe. Here, Franz studied under Carl Czerny, a former student of Beethoven, for piano, and Antonio Salieri for composition. His time in Vienna was pivotal; he absorbed the rich musical traditions of the city and was exposed to the works of leading composers and performers of the time.
Rise to fame
Liszt’s debut in Vienna at the age of 11 was a great success, earning him the admiration of the musical elite, including Beethoven, who reputedly gave him a kiss on the forehead, a mark of great respect. Following the death of his father in 1827, Liszt and his mother moved to Paris, where he was denied entry to the Paris Conservatoire due to his foreign origin. Undeterred, he continued his studies privately with prominent teachers, including Anton Reicha and Ferdinando Paer.
Paris was a thriving hub of musical activity, and Liszt soon became a fixture in the city’s salons, where his virtuosic performances won him acclaim. He befriended many of the leading artists and intellectuals of the day, including Hector Berlioz, Frédéric Chopin, and the writer George Sand.
Virtuoso pianist
By the 1830s, Liszt had established himself as one of the greatest pianists of his era. His technique was unparalleled, and his performances were characterized by a dramatic flair that captivated audiences. He embarked on extensive tours across Europe, where he was met with adulation and sometimes hysteria—a phenomenon that came to be known as “Lisztomania.”
During this period, Liszt began to compose more prolifically. His works from this time include the “Transcendental Études,” which remain some of the most challenging pieces in the piano repertoire, and his “Hungarian Rhapsodies,” which drew on his national heritage.
Weimar years
In 1848, Liszt retired from the life of a touring virtuoso and settled in Weimar, Germany, where he took up the post of Kapellmeister (Music Director) at the court of the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar. This period marked a shift in his career from performer to composer and conductor. He devoted himself to advancing the careers of other composers, such as Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, and Robert Schumann, and premiered many of their works.
Liszt’s own compositions during the Weimar years included symphonic poems—a form he pioneered—which were orchestral works that told a story or painted a scene. Notable examples include “Les Préludes” and “Mazeppa.” He also composed his monumental “Piano Sonata in B minor,” which is considered one of his greatest works and a pinnacle of the Romantic piano repertoire.
Later years and legacy
In his later years, Liszt divided his time between Weimar, Rome, and Budapest. He continued to compose, teach, and support young musicians. His music during this period became more experimental, foreshadowing many 20th-century developments. Works such as the “Nuages gris” (Gray Clouds) and the “Bagatelle sans tonalité” (Bagatelle without Tonality) reflect his innovative spirit.
Liszt was also deeply religious, and his sacred music from this period, including the “Via Crucis” and the “Requiem for Mixed Choir,” demonstrates his spiritual devotion.
Liszt passed away on July 31, 1886, in Bayreuth, Germany. He left behind a vast body of work that includes piano music, symphonic works, chamber music, and vocal compositions. His influence on the development of music was profound, affecting the course of piano technique, the structure of musical compositions, and the expressive possibilities of music.
Personal life
Liszt’s personal life was as dramatic as his music. He had several romantic relationships, the most notable being with the Countess Marie d’Agoult, with whom he had three children: Blandine, Cosima, and Daniel. His daughter Cosima would later marry Richard Wagner, cementing Liszt’s legacy within the musical world.
Liszt also had a complex relationship with the Catholic Church. In 1865, he took minor holy orders, receiving the tonsure and becoming known as Abbé Liszt. Despite this, he continued to perform and compose secular music.
Franz Liszt remains one of the towering figures of 19th-century music. His contributions as a composer, performer, and teacher reshaped the musical landscape and inspired countless musicians. His works continue to be performed and cherished, ensuring his legacy as a giant of classical music.
Franz Liszt (1811 – 1886)
Franz Liszt was born on October 22, 1811, in the village of Raiding, in the Kingdom of Hungary, which is now part of Austria. His father, Adam Liszt, was an accomplished musician who played several instruments and worked for the Esterházy family, a notable Hungarian noble family. Recognizing his son’s prodigious talent early on, Adam Liszt provided Franz with his first piano lessons at the age of seven. By the time he was nine, young Franz was already performing in public, demonstrating his extraordinary gift for music.
In 1821, the Liszt family moved to Vienna, a major cultural center in Europe. Here, Franz studied under Carl Czerny, a former student of Beethoven, for piano, and Antonio Salieri for composition. His time in Vienna was pivotal; he absorbed the rich musical traditions of the city and was exposed to the works of leading composers and performers of the time.
Rise to fame
Liszt’s debut in Vienna at the age of 11 was a great success, earning him the admiration of the musical elite, including Beethoven, who reputedly gave him a kiss on the forehead, a mark of great respect. Following the death of his father in 1827, Liszt and his mother moved to Paris, where he was denied entry to the Paris Conservatoire due to his foreign origin. Undeterred, he continued his studies privately with prominent teachers, including Anton Reicha and Ferdinando Paer.
Paris was a thriving hub of musical activity, and Liszt soon became a fixture in the city’s salons, where his virtuosic performances won him acclaim. He befriended many of the leading artists and intellectuals of the day, including Hector Berlioz, Frédéric Chopin, and the writer George Sand.
Virtuoso pianist
By the 1830s, Liszt had established himself as one of the greatest pianists of his era. His technique was unparalleled, and his performances were characterized by a dramatic flair that captivated audiences. He embarked on extensive tours across Europe, where he was met with adulation and sometimes hysteria—a phenomenon that came to be known as “Lisztomania.”
During this period, Liszt began to compose more prolifically. His works from this time include the “Transcendental Études,” which remain some of the most challenging pieces in the piano repertoire, and his “Hungarian Rhapsodies,” which drew on his national heritage.
Weimar years
In 1848, Liszt retired from the life of a touring virtuoso and settled in Weimar, Germany, where he took up the post of Kapellmeister (Music Director) at the court of the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar. This period marked a shift in his career from performer to composer and conductor. He devoted himself to advancing the careers of other composers, such as Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, and Robert Schumann, and premiered many of their works.
Liszt’s own compositions during the Weimar years included symphonic poems—a form he pioneered—which were orchestral works that told a story or painted a scene. Notable examples include “Les Préludes” and “Mazeppa.” He also composed his monumental “Piano Sonata in B minor,” which is considered one of his greatest works and a pinnacle of the Romantic piano repertoire.
Later years and legacy
In his later years, Liszt divided his time between Weimar, Rome, and Budapest. He continued to compose, teach, and support young musicians. His music during this period became more experimental, foreshadowing many 20th-century developments. Works such as the “Nuages gris” (Gray Clouds) and the “Bagatelle sans tonalité” (Bagatelle without Tonality) reflect his innovative spirit.
Liszt was also deeply religious, and his sacred music from this period, including the “Via Crucis” and the “Requiem for Mixed Choir,” demonstrates his spiritual devotion.
Liszt passed away on July 31, 1886, in Bayreuth, Germany. He left behind a vast body of work that includes piano music, symphonic works, chamber music, and vocal compositions. His influence on the development of music was profound, affecting the course of piano technique, the structure of musical compositions, and the expressive possibilities of music.
Personal life
Liszt’s personal life was as dramatic as his music. He had several romantic relationships, the most notable being with the Countess Marie d’Agoult, with whom he had three children: Blandine, Cosima, and Daniel. His daughter Cosima would later marry Richard Wagner, cementing Liszt’s legacy within the musical world.
Liszt also had a complex relationship with the Catholic Church. In 1865, he took minor holy orders, receiving the tonsure and becoming known as Abbé Liszt. Despite this, he continued to perform and compose secular music.
Franz Liszt remains one of the towering figures of 19th-century music. His contributions as a composer, performer, and teacher reshaped the musical landscape and inspired countless musicians. His works continue to be performed and cherished, ensuring his legacy as a giant of classical music.
Discography
Luminescence
Liam Nassereddine
Liszt: Lebenswanderung
Alexandra Kaptein
La Lecture
Oihana Aristizabal Puga
Lineke Lever