Sinfonische dichtung franz liszt biography

Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

(bornRaiding, 22 October 1811; died Bayreuth, 31 July 1886).

He was taught the piano by his father and then Czerny (Vienna, 1822-3),establishing himself as a remarkable concert artistby the age of 12.

In Paris he studied theory and composition withReicha and Paer; he wrote an opera and bravura piano pieces and undertooktours in France, Switzerland and England before ill-health and religiousdoubt made him reassess his career.

Intellectual growth came through literature,and the urge to create through hearing opera and especially Paganini,whosespectacular effects Liszt eagerly transferred to the piano in originalworks and operatic fantasias. Meanwhile he gave lessons and beganhis stormy relationship (1833-44) with the (married) Countess Marie d'Agoult.They lived in Switzerland and Italy and had three children.

He gave concerts in Paris, maintaining his legendary reputation, andpublished some essays, but was active chiefly as a composer ("Annees depèlerin