Composer Corner: Liszt

October’s composer of the month is Franz Liszt (frahnts list).

Born: October 22, 1811

Died: July 31, 1886

Five facts:

• Liszt's piano works are regarded by many as some of the most difficult and virtuosic music ever written.

• After moving to Paris with his parents at age 12, Liszt developed a friendship with Frédéric Chopin (though they later became rivals). Liszt was also friends with composer Hector Berlioz, and he attended the Paris premiere of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique.

• Liszt invented the concept of the 'piano recital'. At a time when composers generally played only their own works, Liszt frequently programmed the music of other composers in his concerts.

• Because of Liszt's unworldly virtuosity and undeniable stage charisma, there were rumors that he must have made a deal with the Devil. "Lisztomania" was a term — coined by Heinrich Heine — that referred to the intense hysteria demonstrated by the pianist's fans during his performances.

• Liszt's daughter, Cosima, went on to become the second wife of Richard Wagner in 1870.

Three important works:

• Piano Sonata in B minor (1853)

• Les Préludes (1854)

• Totentatz (1862)

Audio Backpack playlist: Franz Liszt