Franz Liszt (LIST) was born in Hungary. His father worked for the Esterházy family. You remember that Haydn had worked for Nicholas Esterházy. Franz was another child prodigy. He was so talented that by the time he was nine he was sent to Vienna to study piano under Czerny (CHAIR-nee). Beethoven once attended a concert by young Franz. Beethoven was so impressed that he lifted the boy in his arms and kissed him. Czerny's exercises must have worked, as Liszt became the greatest virtuoso pianist of his time. He charmed all Paris and dazzled audiences all over Europe. Liszt was a born showman. He was the first who dared to give an entire concert without the help of an orchestra or other musicians. He was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience. He knew that his handsome profile enraptured the ladies. He even put on a swooning act in the emotional parts of his music, and all the ladies went wild. He would stop at nothing to make an impression!

Liszt suddenly put an end to his theatrical concerts, deciding to work as music director at the court of Weimar in Germany. There he directed symphonic works and operas. Piano students came from all over the world to study with him. He was very generous, giving them lessons without charging a fee.

Liszt was the first to compose symphonic poems (tone poems) for the orchestra. These compositions try to give, in musical sounds, the feeling that one might get from reading a poem, looking at a painting or landscape, or discussing an idea. They are usually just one movement. Les Préludes is his best known symphonic poem.

In his later years, Liszt was drawn to the religious life. He wanted to enter the priesthood, but was only able to become an abbé.  Many pictures of Liszt show him in his high, white clerical collar.

Liebestraum is one of Liszt's best known works. His Hungarian Rhapsodies and Piano Concerto No. 1 are also favorites. When you want to buy CDs, don't forget your Chopin Liszt!