Who Was Franz Liszt?

Franz Liszt (1811–1886) was one of the biggest legends of the Romantic era: a Hungarian-born composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher who basically turned the piano world upside down.

First things first: Liszt wasn’t just “good” at piano. He was scary good. People in the 1800s didn’t have YouTube clips to replay and fact-check, so when someone like Liszt walked on stage and started doing things that seemed physically impossible, the reaction was pure chaos. There was even a word for the hype: Lisztomania. Fans would travel to see him, collect souvenirs, and act the way modern crowds act around pop stars.

But here’s the important part: Liszt wasn’t only about flashy performance. He was also a serious musical innovator. He helped develop the symphonic poem, a type of orchestral piece that tells a story or paints a scene without being locked into the old “symphony rules.” If you like music that feels cinematic before cinema even existed, Liszt helped lay the groundwork.

His piano compositions are still famous for being brutally difficult and wildly expressive. Works like the Hungarian Rhapsodies and the Transcendental Études aren’t just technical flexing — they’re dramatic, emotional, and full of personality.

Liszt also played a huge role behind the scenes. He supported other composers, promoted new music, and taught many students who became major musicians themselves. Later in life, he leaned more into spiritual and religious music, showing a quieter, reflective side compared to the wild touring years.

In short: Franz Liszt was a once-in-a-century talent — the kind of artist who changes what people think is possible, both as a performer and as a composer.