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Franz Liszt: The Weimar Years, 1848-1861

Herman Melville

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Published in Franz Liszt Volume 2: The Weimar Years: 1848 1861

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Franz Liszt, Volume 2: The Weimar Years: 1848-1861

by Alan Walker

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Language	:	English
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Franz Liszt was one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century. A virtuoso pianist, composer, and conductor, he was also a major figure in the development of Romantic music. Liszt spent the years from 1848 to 1861 in Weimar, Germany, where he served as the court Kapellmeister (music director). These years were some of the most productive of Liszt's career, and he produced some of his most important works during this time.

Liszt's Early Life and Career

Franz Liszt was born in Doborján, Hungary, on October 22, 1811. He began studying piano at an early age and quickly showed great talent. By the age of 12, he had given his first public concert. Liszt went on to study in Vienna and Paris, and he soon became one of the most celebrated pianists in Europe.

In the early 1840s, Liszt began to focus on composition. He wrote a number of important works during this time, including his Piano Sonata in B minor and his Totentanz for piano and orchestra. Liszt also became involved in the development of the New German School of music, which sought to break away from the traditional rules of classical music.

The Weimar Years

In 1848, Liszt was appointed Kapellmeister of the Weimar court. This position gave him the opportunity to conduct a wide range of music, and he also had the chance to work with some of the most talented musicians of the day. Liszt's Weimar years were a time of great creativity and productivity. He composed some of his most important works during this time, including his Symphony No. 1, his Piano Concerto No. 1, and his Mephisto Waltz for piano.

Liszt also played a major role in the development of the Weimar School of music. This school was a group of composers and musicians who were influenced by Liszt's ideas. The Weimar School included such important figures as Richard Wagner, Peter Cornelius, and Alexander Ritter.

Later Life and Legacy

Liszt left Weimar in 1861 and spent the rest of his life traveling and performing. He continued to compose, and he also wrote a number of important works on music theory and aesthetics. Liszt died in Bayreuth, Germany, on July 31, 1886.

Liszt was one of the most important and influential musicians of the 19th century. His music and his ideas continue to be performed and studied today. The Weimar years were a particularly important time in Liszt's career, and they saw the production of some of his most important works.