Franz Liszt

The history of Franz Liszt is fascinating for pianists.

Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

• Franz Liszt was a superstar concert pianist and composer of the Romantic Period. For example, when he toured Europe, he was greeted by beautiful carriages and important people. He attended fancy parties. At his concerts, women fought for Liszt’s gloves and other personal items that belonged to him.

• Liszt made quite a bit of money from his European tours and was very generous. He taught piano lessons for free to those who could not afford them. He also gave money to other musicians who needed financial help.

• Many of Liszt’s students became famous performers and teachers.

To Learn more, visit Alberti Publishing.

Illustration by Heidi Cabrera

Piano Recital

So much of modern piano culture has a rich past to it. Share some of that history and see your students adopt a new outlook on simple things like recitals.


• Franz Liszt invented the first “solo piano recital.” Before Liszt, solo performers played only in programs that included other players. He and pianist Clara Schumann were among the first solo pianists to play complete programs by memory—which is now the standard.

• Pianist Jan Dussek was the first to perform with the piano turned sideways to the audience. This allowed the audience to see him better. Franz Liszt did the same and played with the piano lid open so that the sound would fill the entire room.

• Today, pianists bow after they perform to thank the audience. After bowing, the performer walks off the stage. If the audience continues to clap after a bow or two, many pianists perform an “encore,” an additional piece not included in the original program.

To learn more, visit Alberti Publishing.

Illustration by Heidi Cabrera.