Franz Liszt

Born in 1811 in what is now Austria, Franz Liszt became one of the 19th century’s great musical celebrities. As a piano virtuoso, he stunned audiences across Europe with a style of playing that seemed almost superhuman, and his fame helped create the modern idea of the touring solo performer.

Liszt was far more than a brilliant showman. He composed widely for piano, orchestra, and voice, championed other composers through his performances and writing, and spent important years in Weimar supporting new music by figures such as Richard Wagner. He is especially remembered for works including the Hungarian Rhapsodies, the Transcendental Études, and his symphonic poems.

Later in life, he devoted much of his time to teaching and to religious life, while continuing to compose. He died in 1886, but his influence remained enormous: pianists inherited his technical daring, composers learned from his adventurous harmony and form, and listeners still hear in his music both theatrical brilliance and deep introspection.