MUSIC

Franz Liszt

Stradivarius

Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt (Ferenc Liszt in Hu.) was a Hungarian composer and pianist who lived from 1811 to 1886. Liszt began composing when he was eight years old, encouraged by his father, a talented amateur musician. He made his piano debut in Vienna in 1822 after studying there. He performed in Paris in 1823 and toured Europe. However, his father’s early death in 1828 and a disastrous love affair led him to want to become a priest instead of a musician. Liszt was inspired to develop his technique to the fullest after hearing violinist Niccol Paganini perform in 1831. He also wrote his first mature pieces, the Transcendental Études (1837) and the Paganini Études (1839). Cosima, his daughter, would marry his friend, the famous composer Richard Wagner. During the 1840s, when he toured Europe as a virtuoso, Liszt’s brilliance and success were at their highest. He received a lot of praise for his incredible technique. His later works are remarkable in that they anticipate many developments of the 20th century. For instance, atonal music was influenced by his development of chromatic harmony.

Stradivarius
The Stradivarius “Polonia,” which dates back to 1685, is the first violin from this line to be sent to Poland following World War II. The precious instrument was purchased to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Poland’s indipendence.