Portrait of Liszt: By Himself and His Contemporaries - Hardcover

Williams, Adrian

9780198161509: Portrait of Liszt: By Himself and His Contemporaries

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198161506 ISBN 13: 9780198161509

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1990

Franz Liszt has been described as "one of the most wonderful human beings that have ever lived, and one of the greatest and most original artists of the nineteenth century". Born in Hungary in 1811, at the very moment when the Great Comet blazed most brillantly in the heavens, he rapidly achieved fame as a phenomenally gifted pianist, and in the course of his long life, which ended in 1886, he travelled extensively through Europe. So extraordinary was the enthusiasm--indeed, adulation--with which his magical playing and fascinating personality were received, that it promped Heinrich Heine to coin the term "Lisztomania". Williams presents extracts from the diaries, letters, and reminiscences of Liszt's contemporaries that describe his bewitching playing and magnetic personality, along with newspaper reviews and passages from Liszt's own letters and writings. What emerges is not only a uniquely comprehensive and extremely readable look at one of the most prodigiously gifted of all musicians, but also an absorbing picture of the rich musical tapestry and cultural life of nineteenth century Europe.

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About the Author:

Freelance writer,

Review:

"No volume in English--or any other language, for that matter--provides more eyewitness information about Liszt's activities and character....A highly readable account of the Master's public and private lives."--Notes

"Offers an absorbing account of one of the 19th century's most fascinating lives."--The Instrumentalist

"A kaleidoscope of eyewitness accounts and anecdotes, many of which are appearing in traslation for the first time. In strict chronological order, with the year printed at the top of each page, this is an invaluable reference tool as well as a beautifully edited tour of almost everything Pnteresting that was being said about Liszt."--The California Music Teacher

"An extraordinary book....A must for devotees of the Romantic composer....It is fascinating reading and excellent source material."--Classical

"This volume deserves only congratulations, for its choice of material, and the vitality of the portrait that emerges."--Musical Times

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