Why Listen to Liszt? 

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Liszt is so criminally underestimated. He was one of the most innovative composers in history, meanwhile almost everyone remembers him as ,,funni hard piano composer"

Liszt's work is some of the most versatile and inventive in the entire genre: Works as dynamic as Beethoven, as romantic as Chopin, as proto-impressionistic as you'd ever see in the era and borderline atonal stuff in his later works. His Fantasies & Reminiscences in particular absolutely push the boundaries of what can be done with transcription and reimagination of other composers works. The absolute pinnacle of pianism and my personal favourite composer

Liszt childhood encounter with Beethoven should have been mentioned since it was his most cherished memory as he only told it his closest confidants of the encounter. His admiration of Beethoven was such that Liszt funded statues and memorials of his hero across Europe and in the later part of his life transcribed Beethoven’s symphonies into piano. Not to mention Liszt’s joyous playing of Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata. Beethoven to the young Liszt: "Go! You are one of the fortunate ones! For you will give joy and happiness to many other people! There is nothing better or finer!". This was, as we can imagine, a major event in Liszt's life since Beethoven was arguably the greatest musician alive at the time. He told this encounter "in a tone of deepest emotion, with tears in his eyes and a warm note of happiness", describes Ilka Horowitz-Barnay. Liszt was 64 years old when he shared this moment and ended up with this statement: "This event in my life has remained my greatest pride, the palladium of my whole career as an artist. I tell it but very seldom and only to good friends!".

Liszt's father for the WIN! To understand that moving to Vienna will be for the betterment of your son's talents and to pack up and leave to do just that takes tremendous dedication and fidelity to one's family future!

His grave is like a hundret meters away from my house and it feels kind of surreal. His music inspired me in so many ways. He was a real superstar.

I read an old biography about Liszt after I discovered him last year. I was shocked, I never heard anyone play the piano like Liszt did. I asked myself, is this even a piano anymore or is this just magic? After reading the biography, I fully understood how much of a genius he really was. I think he might be one of humanity’s greatest musicians

There's still a lot to mention, like his relationship with wagner or the schumanns, his piano sonata, his transcriptions, a bit more of dive in his harmony and a lot more. We could use a second video, even though I doubt that can happen since that isn't the direction of the series, well, doesn't hurt to hope.

The B Minor Sonata, Dante Sonata, Faust Symphony and Dante Symphony blew my 16 year old mind like no other music I’ve heard before or since! I will never get over the fact that an actual human being created those works! Long live that legend!

Consolation no. 3 remains one of the single most moving listening experiences I've ever had. It captures such a particular and hard to describe sense of melancholy and beauty that makes it uniquely special

While there is plenty of useful information in this video regarding the life and works of Liszt and why it is worthwhile listening to his music, there are a few inaccuracies I believe are worth revisiting: - Liszt never had bad press as a pianist, once he returned to playing the piano after a hiatus following his father's death, he was praised as either one of the finest pianists out there or the outright undisputed heavy-weight champion. By the time Heine coined "Lisztomania" he had been an international superstar for 6-7 years (and he was a star in France before then). - His piano recitals were never devoted exclusively to virtuosic works - he would always program some Beethoven, Hummel, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann (sometimes even Bach and Scarlatti) in his concerts. He famously gave the first performance of the Hammerklavier in Paris in 1836 - after which Berlioz called him the musician of the future in his review. - Liszt never got married, he tried really hard to marry Princess Sayn-Wittgenstein, but after years of promises to the contrary, the Vatican never granted the annulment of her previous marriage, so it fell through on their supposed-to-be wedding day. - the Revolutionary Symphony was never completed, one movement-sketch was transformed and expanded to be the symphonic poem Heroide funébre. - His departure from Weimar was not inspired by religion, though it did result in the creation of his most substantial religious works and him taking on a more religious image. He left Weimar because he felt his presence would hurt the prospects of the many young composers who were in his circle there. He received generally harsh reviews as a composer at the time (unlike his fortunes as a pianist), and he feared his protégés would be tainted by association.

He is one of the greatest inspirations any pianist can get, not only musically, but as a person. He still has the record for the biggest private donation in Hungary, when he raised an industrial amount of money to help people affected by an inundation. Also, he was humble enough to financially support many of his contemporaries (especially Wagner), pushing forward the entire musical world and recognising the mastery of others. He invented the recital as we know it today. He was one of the first rockstars. Man, he's such a great example to follow: a genius professional and a generous soul.

The later era Liszt is pretty much my favorite of the romantic era. Especially the piano music. I love the sound of that stuff that straddles that razor's edge of tonality and atonality. Nuages Gris, La Lagubra Gondola, the 17th Hung. Rhap. is my favorite of the set.

I never studied music but was exposed to classical by my dad. He never played any Liszt, but I somehow found his music on my own. He's been my favorite composer ever since then.

Liszt scholarship only got a kick-start in the late 20th century, hence while there's a lot of primary sources the field had a lot left desired, a lot to fill in. Many people focus on his virtuosity, but Liszt spent a greater portion of his musical life engaging in other activities from Weimar onwards. About the man himself, the character consistent across all sources is a musician who sought to use his art to raise up others, and Liszt was just a very very helpful human being all around, as much as you could possibly get (in a nutshell that guy had extreme characteristics in everything, which makes his personality unusually sharp and contrasted, just like a Rembrant painting). That he was also conventionally attractive, a superstar and a charmer of sorts is true but doesn't detract from this, and it was such a brief period in his life anyway? Another important fact: he saved Wagner after the Dresden revolts and provided him with encouragement and support, up to the day Liszt died from catching a fatal cold on his way to Bayreuth to stage Wagner festivals. I wish this video talked more about this relationship, instead of the usuals. As a supplement to this video (and Nahre Sol's) There are videos of Liszt pupils on RU-vid. There's even one of Lamond talking about Liszt. For the already-Lisztian, you can also read Friedheim's and Lachmund's and Fay's memoirs, if books are your jam.

I’m so happy you did Liszt. Need to spread more goodness for Liszt

Liszt's long life, and the creativity of his later works, makes me all the more painfully curious of what Chopin or Schumann might have composed.

I feel like Lizst is underrated as a composer. a lot of people overlook him because he's mostly famous for his virtuosity

One of my favorite composers. Passionate, edgy, genius, & innovative. Liszt inspired me to learn the piano...

It is said, that he sightread Grieg's piano concerto perfectly FROM THE MANUSCRIPT.

The most generous artist who ever lived, in addition to ground-breaking brilliance and innovation.

Liszt is a genius. Thank you for this video on my birthday, Oscar.

Yes! I love Liszt! I hope we can have one of Chopin soon!

Liszt will always remain my favorite.

Aside for his own compositions, he truly worked hard to promote the music of his contemporaries and friends. His transcriptions gave the works of other composers a new audience and life.

I think everyone needs to listen to his B minor sonata, his pelerinage sets (personal favorites are Dante sonata and benediction de la solitude), and his consolations or 2nd ballade.

Finally about Liszt ❤️🥺

Very happy to find this video honoring the composer and human being that was a beacon for my career for so long. I focused on the vocal art in song and oratorio that bloomed after the Weimar years and after five years of research self produced a CD of his songs, those of his mentors and students recorded in the castle where he frequently performed. Since the evolution of the piano in the 19th century also was influenced by Liszt , seven instruments were used to mirror the compositions included. It won an award to my surprise, but even more of a shock is how many journalists in interviews never knew he wrote so many art songs. It was the dream experience of a lifetime, and led me to understand more of this man who, through his pursuit of God, chose to venture beyond musical conventions. His unfinished opera was a better understanding of the Bel Canto and romantic traditions that were going to yield to the next century . More than anything his humility and honest fervor to support other artists, including women composers ,demonstrated a man of pure devotion to the legacy of music. A great gift in an even greater human being. Thanks for this video.

Props for the restraint showed in avoiding dumb yet alluring wordplays with the words "listen" and "Liszt"!

Great video. I didn’t know or had forgotten so much of this. What a truly remarkable life Franz Liszt lived. Being taught by no less than Carl Czerny is almost like inheriting the mantle of Beethoven. His father, ever so looking out for his son’s music oriented best interests arranges for the boy to study composition with the renowned opera composer Antonio Salieri (who was not a mediocre talent burning with envy and resentment). Flamboyant and impassioned, he embodied the Romantic era rubbing elbows with and being inspired by the likes of Hector Berlioz and Paganini - and he possessed the requisite talent and technical ability to incorporate such influences convincingly into the great cathedral of his own musical imagination. Perhaps no one better than he to create piano reductions of the Beethoven symphonies nos. 1-8 (the ninth was a bridge too far, even for him.)

My favorite composer ever.

I discovered Mahler through you, and went to see Rattle and the LSO perform his 2nd symphony at the proms as a result this year with my family; it was magical! I also owe my understanding of sonata form to you, and have found a far greater appreciation of music I had never truly appreciated on more than a superficial level. I shall certainly listen to more Liszt henceforth. Could you do a Vaughan Williams video please? Your videos always prove insightful. Anyway, thank you for your videos, keep up the good work!

I’ve been listening to Liszt as I started to expand my classical music. This was many decades ago, but in terms to degree, Liszt, is to me epitome of rock star concert pianist, and a innovator.

Yes, finally my favourite composer. Great series ❤️

At 1:52 the piece being played in the background is Rákóczi March which is Hungarian music. The two are often confused, because they had influenced each other a lot.

I had no idea anyone would need to make a video explaining to people why they need to listen to Liszt. He is in my top 3 piano composers of all time.

“Chopin, Schubert….” *Shows Schumann*

Because he's really good *credits*

I love Liebestraum. I love La Campanella. I love Faust Symphony. I love Un Sospiro. I love Liszt.

Sonata

You should make one about Chopin life, his music has so much emotions and really speaks to you

My favorite composer, the great Liszt.. some of his pieces are the eabsolute definition of music, like Benediction de dieu dans la solitude, Un sospiro, the 3 liebestraume, Die Zelle in Nonnenwerth, les jeaux d'eau a la villa d'este, the 3rd consolation, the 1st Aparrition, and the 3 Sonnets, especially no.47, his Nuits d'etes a Pausilippe, especially the 2nd part.... so beautiful pieces being full of feelings, lots of expression and so melodical. Liszt, in some of his pieces, clearly had put - probably unintentionally - the basis for impressionism, as well. He could easily be described as the pre-impressionistic romantic.

This is amazing! And you are so passionate! Didn't expect such an exciting journey when I clicked on the video.

0:18-0:19 - CORRECTION - The audio incorrectly identifies a pic of Schumann as Schubert. ;-)

I finally got a chance to watch this. Fantastic video!! I learned a lot about Liszt I didn’t know before - especially about his orchestration!! I agree, though, that this video should definitely have a Part 2. There’s so much to unpack with Liszt! He’s certainly a multi-faceted composer and deserves to be known for more than his virtuosity. This was such a great glimpse into Liszt’s life and works! I’m looking forward to hearing more of his Symphonic Poems and his early-Impressionism works.

These videos are incredible! Your enthusiasm is infectious and I am more excited after watching your videos. Thank you so much!!!

The exuberance in your voice inspires me to write! 👍

I read Franz Liszt's biography while at university many years ago. Fascinating life story and amazing music. Thanks for the refresher.

Great video! Each of these bring me a whole host of new material to listen to.

Amazing work, as always 👍

We should also mention the importance of Liszt’s organ works.Especially the fantasia and fugue is as good as his sonata!

It’s time we acknowledge the fact that Liszt was the greatest composer of the Romantic era and the first impressionist composer

I've always looked at Liszt's symphonic works as art criticism in musical form. He is not just drawing inspiration from these poems and pictures, but commenting upon them, often quite deeply. A few inaccuracies aside, great video. I'm glad Liszt is finally receiving some recognition on the platform.

Thank you for these videos!!!

I fucking love liszt!! Thats all im gonna say

Liszt was so amazing. And your video is awesome too!! Great production to show the history of a great pianist.

Great as always

Thanks for putting the ad at the end, you’re a gentleman.

Excellent video! Thank you for creating such wonderful content.

Thank you so much for doing this video 🙏😊

So excited for this one!!!

excellent presentation! much appreciated!!

Thank you very much for such an interesting and passionate story about the great pianist and composer!

This video was amazing, great job fr!!❤

Just listen to "Jeux d'eau a la villa d'este" 😩 the most beautiful music ever written for piano....

This was Great. Thank you

I heard that the reason Liszt turned the piano sideways for recitals was so the top board would reflect the sound towards the audience.

A superb tribute. Thank you!

Would you make similiar video about Dvořák?

Once again, you've produced a terrific video. Why am I not surprised?

Great video man

Thank you guys. Lizt is now in my list

This is good. Liszt is a personal favorite of mine because of the sheer virtuosity and dynamics of his work. By the way, I think you should do some videos on Baroque period composers like Rameau, Corelli, Cherubini, and others because I think people only think of Handel, Vivaldi, and Bach. Not that those in the latter are lacking, far from it. I just think there is more to explore in that period of music.

Beautiful video, would like to see one about Rachmanninov.

Explaining how great his works are in a technical sense, whilst also conveying a tremendous amount of passion, thanks to the fact you're so eloquent. Great stuff! Would you do one about Bruckner as well? He deserves a video like this.

Excellent, thank you...

I love this "Why you should listen to" series. I would love if you were to do one on Dvorak someday

Why listen to Liszt? Because he is a towering figure in music history, and because he wrote what Vladimir Horowitz called "the greatest work for piano ever written"------ his solo piano transcriptions of Beethoven's Nine Symphonies. I have spent many years with these fantastic works, and find it curious that they are not as well known as they should be. Everyone knows Beethoven's symphonies for obvious reasons, because are so commonly played by every orchestra around the world. But Liszt's piano transcriptions are so beautifully composed that if you are a Beethoven fan, you will only appreciate him even more.

Enormous Liszt of geniuses

my top 3 favorite classical songs are Prelude (rachmainoff) very foreboding and depressing and it is very good for a horror type atmosphere Paladio (jenkins) the way it slowly ascends from piano to forte and switches from minor to major at the end is just amazing and Love Dream (liszt) an absolutely beautiful masterpiece that never gets old

Amazing. Great video

He's definitely on my list...

Great narration!

Great video, thanks!

I love me some Liszt. Every so often I’ll have it in the background and when it turns into that reality bending piano it trips me out hard

What a good work my mate.

these videos are so well made, its sad that they are so underrated

The picture you keep showing for Liszt's father, Adam, is actually his grandfather, Georg Adam List.

Just saw the thumbnail and came to reply ; beacause he was one of the greatest masters of composition and an excellent piano player.

I love ❤️ Liszt ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thank you!

I started listening to classical music when you did "14 pieces" And up until this day Liszt is my favourite And I am sooo glad you had one of his pieces in that course

Listened to Heriode funebre right after this video, and its first phrases immediately reminded me of Tristan's prelude to act 3

Please don't ever stop making these videos.

good work, good to see.

His compositions were pure genius. He would have written some fantastic scores for movies. I never realized Symphonie Fantastique served as such an inspiration for him-that is my favourite symphony. Try as I might, most of Liszt’s piano music is far too hard for me to play…

Man, that introduction! ❤

0:19 Loving how he said Schubert when the pic fr shows schumann

Simply put, you could give us a Liszt of reasons why. 🤪 Great video as always!

He belongs with the greatest 👍👍♥️Very educational video, Thank you!!