**Franz Liszt** (1811–1886) was a Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor, and teacher — one of the most influential figures of the Romantic era. Here's a concise overview of his life and legacy:
---
### 🌟 **Key Highlights** 1. **Piano Virtuoso** - Revolutionized piano technique with unprecedented speed, expressiveness, and physicality. - Pioneered the solo *recital* and played from memory, setting modern concert standards. - "Lisztomania" described the frenzied public response to his performances (Europe's first musical "superstar").
2. **Innovative Compositions** - Invented the **symphonic poem** (e.g., *Les Préludes*), blending music and literature. - Major works: *Hungarian Rhapsodies*, *Transcendental Études*, *Piano Sonata in B minor*, and *Faust Symphony*. - Advanced harmony with chromaticism, influencing Wagner and later composers.
3. **Weimar Period (1848–1861)** - As court conductor, championed new music (Wagner, Berlioz) and premiered groundbreaking works. - Composed orchestral masterpieces and revised earlier piano works.
4. **Later Life & Spirituality** - Took minor holy orders in the Catholic Church (1865), becoming "Abbé Liszt." - Composed religious works (e.g., *Christus Oratorio*), experimental pieces (*Nuages gris*), and taught protégés like Emil von Sauer.
5. **Legacy** - Mentor to giants like Wagner, Saint-Saëns, and Grieg. - His innovations paved the way for Impressionism and modern piano technique. - Over 700 compositions, including piano, orchestral, choral, and sacred music.
---
### 🎼 **Did You Know?** - He never charged for lessons and supported struggling artists. - His daughter **Cosima** married Richard Wagner. - Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 remains one of classical music’s most recognizable pieces.
