Franz Liszt

Franz Liszt (1811-1886) was a Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor, and teacher, one of the most prominent figures of the Romantic era. He lived during a period of significant social and political change in Europe, including the rise of nationalism and the development of modern concert culture. His extraordinary technical skill and charismatic stage presence revolutionised piano performance, establishing the modern concept of the piano recital.  

Liszt was influenced by composers such as Niccolò Paganini, whose virtuosity inspired his own, and by the emotional depth of composers like Beethoven. He, in turn, profoundly influenced later composers like Richard Wagner, his son-in-law, and Claude Debussy, particularly in their harmonic innovations and orchestral techniques. His influence on piano playing and performance practice is still felt today.  

Liszt's compositional style is characterized by its technical brilliance, dramatic flair, and innovative use of harmony. He pioneered the symphonic poem, a single-movement orchestral work that tells a story or evokes a mood. His music often features virtuosic passages, expressive melodies, and a wide range of emotions, reflecting the Romantic ideals of individualism and emotional intensity. He was also a master of transcription, arranging numerous works by other composers for the piano.  

Major works by Liszt include:

Piano Sonata in B minor: A monumental work considered one of the greatest piano sonatas ever written.  

Hungarian Rhapsodies: A series of 19 piano pieces based on Hungarian folk melodies.  

Transcendental Études: A set of 12 piano studies.  

Liebesträume (Love Dreams): Three nocturnes for piano.

Symphonic Poems: Including "Les Préludes," "Orpheus," and "Mazeppa."  

Piano Concertos: Two piano concertos, No. 1 in E-flat major and No. 2 in A major.