Franz Liszt

Franz Liszt was born to Adam and Maria Anna Liszt in Doborján, a village in the Kingdom of Hungary (now Raiding, Austria). His father was a musician and worked as a secretary for Prince Nikolaus II Esterházy.

Liszt started taking formal piano lessons from Carl Czerny, a prominent pianist and composer in Vienna. Czerny recognized Liszt's exceptional talent and provided rigorous training.

Liszt gave his first public performance in Vienna, where he played to a rapt audience and received high praise. His performance attracted the attention of influential figures in the musical community.

The Liszt family moved to Paris, where Franz continued his musical education. He studied composition with Ferdinando Paer and Anton Reicha, and his talent began to flourish in the culturally rich environment.

Liszt met fellow composers Hector Berlioz and Frédéric Chopin in Paris, forming lasting friendships and musical collaborations. These interactions significantly influenced his compositional style and pianistic techniques.

Liszt embarked on a series of extensive concert tours throughout Europe, earning him fame and acclaim as one of the greatest pianists of his time. His virtuosic performances captivated audiences and solidified his reputation.

Liszt met Princess Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein in Kiev, Ukraine. Their relationship, though tumultuous, had a profound impact on his personal life and artistic development, leading to a period of intense creativity.

Liszt was appointed Music Director of the Grand Ducal Court in Weimar, Germany. He focused on conducting and promoting the works of contemporary composers, including his own, and established Weimar as a center of musical innovation.

Liszt took minor orders in the Catholic Church, becoming Abbé Liszt. This spiritual turn influenced his later compositions, which often reflected religious themes and his deepening faith.

Liszt founded the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary, to nurture young talent and promote musical education. The academy continues to be a prestigious institution for classical music education.

Franz Liszt died in Bayreuth, Germany, while attending the Bayreuth Festival. His death marked the end of a remarkable life and a legacy that profoundly influenced the world of classical music and piano performance.