Franz Liszt Essentials

Franz Liszt was a rock star of the 19th century, with his thrilling piano performances, long, swaying hair and stirring compositions. An avid traveller and lover of art, the Hungarian pianist's rhapsodic works reflect an array of European ideals: the flowing lyricism of Italian vocal works, the sparkling, graceful arpeggios and voice leading of French music, and the rigour and drama of a more traditionally German style. These elements combine in visionary symphonic poems and profoundly tender—sometimes demonic—piano works that revolutionised the musical forms of the day.