Citizen of the World: Franz Liszt and His Impact

Music is an ever evolving field, with numerous styles and periods throughout history. One period of music that has been detrimental to the development of numerous well renowned musicians is the Romantic Era. This time period promoted the creation of expressive and programmatic pieces of music that transformed the way in which music was viewed. The Romantic period witnessed the likeness of numerous prolific composers. Among these, one composer was instrumental in the way piano music was composed, and greatly contributed to music literature. Born in 1811, Franz Liszt was a Hungarian piano virtuoso and composer. In this essay I will consider how it to be a citizen of the world as Franz Liszt set an example of what it truly requires to be a composer and performer. 

Among his many notable compositions are his 12 symphonic poems, two (completed) piano concerti, several sacred choral works, and a great variety of solo piano pieces. Being a composer of huge originality and a renowned figure in the Romantic Era of music, Liszt greatly influenced other musicians of the time. As a composer, Liszt greatly developed the art of piano writing, giving it brilliance, and an orchestral sound. After he heard Paganini play the violin, Liszt withdrew from the stage for years and practiced eight to twelve hours daily, planning to become the 'Paganini of the piano.' This motivation and ambition to be one of the best, are what can be attributed to Liszt’s success in the Romantic period. Franz Liszt was extremely important to the Romantic Era for his method of bridging genres, high originality, and his ability to make music accessible to everyone. Ultimately Liszt’s work has inspired numerous composers, and his work will live on as an example for generations to come.

Firstly, Liszt’s music bridged all genres. At the core of his piano music was improvisation, an art sadly lost in what we now call classical music. Few if any classical musicians can do it properly. The notation in his music for the piano mirrored an art that was spontaneous and tied to a moment of performance. His fantasies and elaborate piano pieces based on the opera-like works of other composers, indicates the many ways of freely adapting and modifying music we like and wish to recall. This can also be said for his transcriptions of works by Bach and Beethoven,where he translates music written for one medium into another. Liszt’s piano versions of Beethoven’s symphonies, (Liszt held great respect for Beethoven throughout his life and constantly advocated for him) were specific favourites of Glenn Gould, a well celebrated Canadian classical-pianist of the 20th century. Musicians would highly benefit should they follow Liszt’s example of liberating from the misleading idea of fidelity to historic works. Liszt was a promoter of adapting new and old music into the framework of modern music, and modifying it to reach the next generation of listeners accustomed to new sounds. By developing unique pieces for the piano through inspirations from other composers, Liszt helped develop an enthusiastic audience that enjoyed a variety of music. Through his extensive use of improvisation, and strong belief in bridging different styles of music, Liszt was able to create an appreciation for music like no other, ultimately contributing to his greatness.

Secondly, Liszt was a hard working innovator, and ensured to never repeat himself in his work. Without his experiments in the uses of harmony, sonority, and the shape of musical form, (Eg: the stress on single melodies and motives - through this Liszt ensured to constantly provide varying music even for lengthy pieces) most of late Romantic and Modern period, particularly that associated with German composer Richard Wagner, would be unimaginable. Liszt held nearly no prejudice and was, near end of his days, receptive to the work of young composers and enthusiastic about new ideas — suggested by his generous treatment of Russian composers. We live in an environment that is too segmented in the styles of music. With the exception of a few efforts such as crossover events, classical and popular music are still segregated. Originality was one among the many goals Liszt pursued in his lifetime. By borrowing happily from others, he hoped to integrate various musical influences into a syncretic and synthetic expressive art form. Liszt’s expansive and open tendency was key in helping him early on in his career as a composer, when he had a false negative impression being too superficial or facile. Ultimately, Liszt’s venture to achieve originality, break norms, and produce unique work, was instrumental in his greatness as a composer.

Thirdly, Liszt was the first composer-performer to find methods, as a conductor and pianist, to reach a wide public. By making music accessible and enjoyable to more than the elite upper class of the time, Liszt was able to develop a greater love and passion for music from the general populous. He achieved this by connecting his music to the public’s wider interests, in art and religion, poetry and prose, history, and politics. Liszt was was known for writing on the music of other composers including biographies of musicians such as Chopin. Infact, he was a close friend of Chopin and took inspiration from some of his works. Liszt personally ran a court theater in Weimar, Germany where he gave audiences the first performances of Wagner’s Lohengrin and Schumann’s Genoveva. Through this, Liszt was not only able to showcase his music to the public, but also the music of other composers whom he admired. Liszt was key in laying the foundation for Hungary’s modern musical life by founding Budapest’s own music conservatory. Additionally, Liszt utilized his fame and artistic talent on behalf of humanitarian and political causes. Unlike many other composers of the time, Liszt never had an ego-complex that prevented him from promoting the works of other composers. He saw music as an art form or medium, and always found ways to make music reach audiences easier. Ultimately, by making music more accessible to a wider audience, he created a greater appreciation for music established his greatness as a musician.

In conclusion, music has evolved tremendously from what it was generations ago. The Romantic Era produced numerous highly renowned composers whose works have helped shape the future of music. Franz Liszt played an instrumental part by distinguishing himself through his work, and contributing greatly to the musical field. Liszt has bridged genres of music, broken norms with original music, and made music accessible to numerous audiences. What can and must be learnt from Liszt is precisely what it means to be a musician, at the center of a community’s political and cultural life, and to do so fearlessly, courageously, and generously. By setting himself apart with etudes inspired from Paganini such as La Campanella that require extensive finger work, Liszt has truly created sensational music that inspired numerous composers. As an individual who broke rules and conventions to chart new paths, Liszt owes part of his greatness to his ability to skillfully take on other compositions, and improvise them. In whole, by being one of the most unique and progressive musicians of the Romantic Era, Franz Liszt has successfully established himself as one of the greatest composers of all time.