Video: Liszt's Historical Hungarian Portraits
The life and works of Hungarian composer and early music idol Franz Liszt.
Hungarian Composer Franz Liszt
When you imagine a classical composer, you might picture a stodgy old man, sitting at his piano with a grim frown. And while that image might be somewhat accurate, it certainly didn’t apply to Franz Liszt. Hungary’s most famous composer was more than just a virtuoso—he was an early celebrity.
Liszt was born in 1811 in what is now Raiding, Austria, at the time Doborján, Hungary. Hungary was then part of the flourishing Austrian Empire, home to contemporary composers like Ludwig van Beethoven. And so, when the young Liszt showed an amazing talent for piano and composition, he was sent to Vienna, Austria to learn from the best. He spent much of his early life touring Europe, meeting many of the most famous cultural figures of the time. Wherever he went, adoring crowds followed. His playing was expressive and technically refined, his compositions inventive and lively. Liszt also carried on several high-profile romances, which drew their own public attention. Forget Beatlemania—in the 1840s, all anyone could talk about was “Lisztomania.”
Later in life, after a long string of both triumphs and tragedies, Liszt joined the Third Order of Saint Francis and moved into a monastery. That didn’t stop him, however, from making public appearances and enjoying the elite societies of Europe. He spent the remainder of his life traveling between Rome, Weimar, and Budapest. Throughout his life, he also taught hundreds of pupils, wrote literary essays, and led multiple charities. The majority of his own earnings were given away to different charities. He passed away in 1886 at the age of 75.
Liszt’s music has been passed down through the generations, though his reputation as a public idol is somewhat faded. He is remembered as one of the most influential composers of all time, and his compositions are still very enjoyable today. This video from the Library of Congress showcases Liszt’s compositions in honor of historical Hungarian figures. They are performed, with commentary, by David Plylar.
Reference
Hilmes, Oliver, and Stewart Spencer. Franz Liszt: Musician, Celebrity, Superstar. Yale University Press, 2018.
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