FRANZ LISZT

Franz Liszt



Franz Liszt

Introduction

Franz Liszt was one of the most influential music composers of the 18th Century. His works and contributions have received critical acclaim the world over and, he is respected for his valuable contributions towards the development of classical music. Franz Liszt was a musical polymath - equally gifted as a composer, performer and teacher. His artistic work was focused on the music in the broadest sense, encompassed the boundaries not only within the different genres of music directions and styles but also between the arts. Music to him was a divine talent and his love of this art as well as his understanding of the same shaped his work as a performing and visionary artist. He made outstanding contributions in symphonies, and many of his symphonic tunes are performed in various Western theatres to this day. It is a fact that music composers are influenced by their colleagues. Same was the case with Liszt, who was influenced by Beethoven, who is clearly regarded as the most celebrated music composer of all time. In this paper, Liszt's influence on the Western classical music is discussed with regards to Beethoven's influence on his music (Hamilton, 2006).

Discussion

Early Years and Struggle

Franz Liszt received his first music lessons from his father at the age of six. But, soon it became obvious that his father's knowledge about music genres was limited. Liszt decided to search for himself a suitable teacher, who would help him to develop his skills in music. His choice is Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837), whose fee claims, however, exceeded Liszt's expectations. Those were the real hard times for the family. After sometime, Liszt left for Vienna, then the cultural capital of Europe. Self-willed and stubborn as his father, Franz Liszt, finally got the breakthrough in Paris; but before that he had to perform in several smaller concerts (Haraszti, 2007). Franz impressed the audience with his performance during a concert held at the Palace of Count Michael Esterházy in Bratislava. As a result of that performance, he received monetary grant. The six-member event organizing committee also arranged for future grants and stipends to help him financially.

Career as a Music Composer

The journey from Vienna to Paris was the turning point in Liszt's career, and it strengthened and consolidated the fame of the young artist. In addition to his technical brilliance, especially Franz's wealth of ideas regarding the composition of music moved King George VII, as well. Liszt's first international performance was during a concert in London on 21 June 1824. That concert was an enormous success and paved the way for his continued supremacy for years to come.

As a Piano Teacher

After the death of his father, he returned to Paris for a second time to resume his career as a piano teacher. Soon his fame spread far and wide and due to his peculiar ways of conducting his classes, he was able to attract students in large numbers, most of whom were girls and respected ...