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| Composer and pianist Franz Liszt 1858 |
1. Child Prodigy: Franz Liszt was a child prodigy, giving his first public concert at the age of nine.
2. Virtuoso Pianist: Liszt is considered one of the greatest pianists of all time, known for his incredible technical skill and expressive playing.
3. Lisztomania: His performances caused such a frenzy among audiences that the term "Lisztomania" was coined to describe the hysteria.
4. Born in Hungary: Liszt was born on October 22, 1811, in Raiding, Kingdom of Hungary (now Austria).
5. Father's Influence: His father, Adam Liszt, was an amateur musician and played a significant role in nurturing his son's talent.
6. Paris Conservatoire: Despite his immense talent, Liszt was denied entry to the Paris Conservatoire because he was a foreigner.
7. Beethoven's Blessing: At the age of 11, Liszt met Beethoven, who gave him a kiss on the forehead, blessing his musical future.
8. Teacher and Mentor: Liszt studied under Carl Czerny, a former student of Beethoven, and Antonio Salieri.
9. Parisian Life: He moved to Paris in his early teens, where he immersed himself in the vibrant musical scene.
10. Romantic Relationships: Liszt had several high-profile romantic relationships, including with Countess Marie d'Agoult and Princess Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein.
11. Composition Output: Liszt composed over 1,000 works, including piano pieces, symphonic poems, and religious music.
12. Transcriptions: He was known for his transcriptions of other composers' works, making orchestral and operatic music accessible on the piano.
13. Charitable Performances: Liszt often performed benefit concerts, donating proceeds to various causes, including victims of natural disasters.
14. Innovative Techniques: He developed new piano techniques, including the use of the thumb on black keys and creating orchestral effects on the piano.
15. First Recitalist: Liszt is credited with inventing the solo piano recital, where he performed alone without other musicians.
16. Religious Devotion: Later in life, Liszt took minor orders in the Catholic Church and was known as the Abbé Liszt.
17. Musical Influence: He influenced many composers, including Richard Wagner, who became his son-in-law.
18. Symphonic Poem: Liszt invented the symphonic poem, a single-movement orchestral work that tells a story or illustrates a theme.
19. Dramatic Stage Presence: His dramatic and flamboyant stage presence was a precursor to modern concert performance styles.
20. Innovative Harmony: Liszt's innovative use of harmony influenced the development of modern music.
21. Weimar Court: He served as the Kapellmeister (music director) at the Weimar Court, where he premiered many of his orchestral works.
22. Generous Teacher: Liszt was a generous teacher, offering free lessons to many students who later became famous musicians.
23. Musical Director: He was a musical director at the Grand Duchy of Weimar, where he promoted the works of contemporary composers.
24. Literary Interests: Liszt was well-read and had friendships with many literary figures, including George Sand and Victor Hugo.
25. Hungarian Rhapsodies: His Hungarian Rhapsodies are among his most famous works, celebrating his Hungarian heritage.
26. Relocation to Rome: In his later years, Liszt spent much time in Rome, focusing on religious music and his spiritual life.
27. Influence on Piano Design: Liszt's demands as a performer influenced the development of modern piano design and construction.
28. Lasting Legacy: His legacy lives on through the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, which he founded.
29. Death in Bayreuth: Liszt died on July 31, 1886, in Bayreuth, Germany, where he was attending the Wagner Festival.
30. Continued Popularity: Liszt's music remains popular today, celebrated for its emotional depth and technical brilliance.