Liszt in Concert

Franz Liszt by Ary Scheffer 1837

Franz Liszt was a Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer of the Romantic period of German descent. He was a renowned performer throughout Europe during the 19th century, noted especially for his showmanship and great skill with the piano. Today, he is considered to be one of the greatest pianists in history, despite the fact that no recordings of his playing exist. Liszt is frequently credited with re-defining piano playing itself, and his influence is still visible today, both through his compositions and his legacy as a teacher. He also contributed greatly towards the Romantic idiom in general, and he is credited with the creation of the symphonic poem.

Liszt

Liszt by Josef Kriehuber 1838

Liszt by Henri Lehmann 1839

There are several portraits of Liszt known to exist, however, they cannot be authenticated. Many of them are unsigned, which makes it very difficult (though not impossible) to decipher which artist painted the portrait. There are three post mortem portraits to be noted. Leo Eicchorn, Franz Rumpf, and Hermann Torggler all painted portraits of Liszt after his death. How many more will reappear in the years to come? The numbers are unknown.

Liszt as an older man