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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... young Liszt at that public concert in Vienna fifty years earlier; Beethoven has advanced toward the piano to place a “kiss of consecration” on the child's brow. Few people bothered to question the truthfulness of this scene; after all ...
... young Franz or more likely that of his father: “I have often expressed the wish to Herr von Schindler to make your high acquaintance, and I rejoice, now, to be able to do so. As I shall give a concert on Sunday the 13th, I most humbly ...
... young nephew. Schindler's inference is that although Beethoven might take no pleasure in a concert he could not hear, at least Karl himself might enjoy it. As we shall see, later entries in the Conversation Books imply that neither Karl ...
... young artist could not be called friendly. The incident has to do with Franz Liszt whom, in the company of his father, I introduced to the master. Beethoven's lack of cordiality sprang in part from the exaggerated idolatry accorded the ...
... young Turk!' It was ten o'clock in the morning when we entered the two small rooms of the Schwarzspanier house where Beethoven lived, I somewhat shyly, Czerny amiably encouraging me. Beethoven was working at a long, narrow table by the ...
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 | |