December 18, 2011 - Comments Off

In praise of Liszt – by Findlay Cockrell

In all the history of Western Music, arguably the most extravagant, extraordinary and important personality ever to appear was Franz Liszt, born into the Romantic Period, and musical citizen of Europe for 75 years.  Not only did he set the standard for all time for pianistic performance and composition, but later in his life he established standards of orchestral playing, conducting, ensemble discipline and composition still operative today.

He was a post-Chopin composer, having performed his colleague’s works all over Europe and learning from them. And he also continued the legacy, at the piano, from the technical wizard of the violin, Nicolo Paganini.  Berlioz was his orchestral inspiration, and afterwards we have to say that Liszt’s “new music” (including his invention of the symphonic poem) leads directly to Wagner (who became his son in-law), R. Strauss, Franck, and many more.  Religious and secular choral music, and many organ works form another part of his composition legacy.

Thought of as a Hungarian composer because he was born just “inside the line,” he never spoke Hungarian, nor was he ever there for more than a few weeks at a time.  He spoke German (the language of Vienna and the Austro-Hungarian Empire), and French (the language of Paris and much of cultural Europe) principally.  He performed and was idolized all over Europe as one of music history’s true “superstars,” having invented the Piano Recital as we know it today, that is, to occupy the stage alone as a single artist holding the audience’s attention for two hours or more.

He performed the Best music by the Best composers everywhere he went, including of course his own compositions which were immensely popular, and with his own piano arrangements of music from opera, song, symphony, ballet, you name it;  in short he was a “spreader” of good and showy/attractive music in an age before recordings;  you heard music “live” or you didn’t hear it.  And he Taught!  We continually benefit from those who studied with one who studied with one who studied with Liszt!!  (who studied with Czerny, who studied with Beethoven!)  And he was Generous!  Needy composers, widows, organizations doing Good: all benefitted from countless fund-raising performances  and other acts of kindness.  Will the world of music see the likes of him Ever again?

As for me, a pianist, an all-Liszt  recital program was the project this Summer/Fall. It includes:  3 Etudes,  2 Hungarian Rhapsodies,  2 from Annees de Pelerinage,   3 misc. pieces, and 2 Faust/Mephisto works:  Gounod’s Faust Waltzes,  Mephisto Waltz. Also, there are 5 Song transcription arrangements for piano.

Plus, a video I made with AXXESS will be shown on WMHT  Thurs. Dec. 29  at 7:30.  It has 4 pieces, and with commentary. WCNY (Syracuse) will also show this.