Reflections on LisztIn a series of lively essays that tell us much not only about the phenomenon that was Franz Liszt but also about the musical and cultural life of nineteenth-century Europe, Alan Walker muses on aspects of Liszt's life and work that he was unable to explore in his acclaimed three-volume biography of the great composer and pianist. Topics include Liszt's contributions to the Lied, the lifelong impact of his encounter with Beethoven, his influence on students who became famous in their own right, his accomplishments in transcribing and editing the works of other composers, and his innovative piano technique. One chapter is devoted to the Sonata in B Minor, perhaps Liszt's single most celebrated composition. Walker draws heavily on Liszt's astonishingly large personal correspondence with other composers, critics, pianists, and prominent public figures. All the essays reveal Walker's broad and deep knowledge of Liszt and Romantic music generally and, in some cases, his impatience with contemporary performance practice. |
From inside the book
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... important background information for my essays on Tausig and Bülow; to Janet Snowman, librarian of the Royal Academy of Music, London, for making available documents related to Walter Bache; to Gregor Benko, for drawing my attention to ...
... important contributions to the Lied; his attachment to the memory of Beethoven; his work as an editor of Schubert, Chopin, Weber, and others; his unusual approach to piano technique; and, above all, the powerful influence he exerted on ...
... importance and was on nodding terms with many of the crowned heads of Europe. His career unfolded in at least five directions simultaneously: pianist, conductor, composer, teacher, and tireless administrator. And in each of these fields ...
... important milestone in the history of the nation: the merging of the twin cities of Pest and Buda into the modern capital of Budapest. Some important ceremonies had been arranged to commemorate the event, and it was natural that ...
Alan Walker. Pressburg as well. By far the most important event was the first, uncut performance of Liszt's oratorio Christus, on November 9, conducted by Hans Richter.3 On November 23 there would also be a performance of the Gran Mass ...
Contents
Liszt and the Schubert Song Transcriptions | |
A Study in Declining | |
Three Character Sketches | |
Liszts Sonata in B Minor | |
Liszt and the Lied | |
Liszt as Editor | |
Some Thoughts and Afterthoughts | |
On Music and Musicians | |
An Open Letter to Franz Liszt | |
Sources | |