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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... master at his desk, engrossed in the composition of a new work. After bidding Kellermann welcome, he went on composing, chatting to him in the friendliest manner, all the while covering the manuscript paper with notes.5 That sets him ...
... master. Beethoven's lack of cordiality sprang in part from the exaggerated idolatry accorded the lad, whose talent was indeed remarkable; but mainly from the request addressed to the master for a theme on which the twelve-year old boy ...
... able to do so. After my closing chord I glanced up. The great master's darkly glowing gaze lay piercingly upon me. Yet suddenly a gentle smile passed over his gloomy features, and Beethoven came quite close to me, stooped down,
... Master “drawing the child-artist to him with a kiss.”17 The existence of the poem is proof that the story of a personal meeting between Beethoven and the young Liszt was already well established in the Weimar of the 1850s.
... master. May they live and prosper who have made a pilgrimage here—the Dutch, the English, the Viennese.” There was a moment's pause. Then the French representative Hippolyte Chélard leapt to his feet in a rage and shouted at Liszt ...
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 | |