Ivan Ragimov

Franz Liszt’s talent made the right noises in England soon after, when he performed at the famous Windsor Castle for King George IV.Franz Liszt’s talent made the right noises in England soon after, when he performed at the famous Windsor Castle for King George IV. During the same period, his epic composition ‘New Grand Overture’ was performed at Manchester.

Franz Liszt was a famous Hungarian composer and pianist. His virtuosic pianist skills were far more technically advanced than his contemporaries wereFranz Liszt was a famous Hungarian composer and pianist. His virtuosic pianist skills were far more technically advanced than his contemporaries were. Apart from his talents as a piano artist, he was also a proficient composer, piano teacher, and conductor. His outstanding talents gave him the opportunity to become one of the most eminent members of the New German School or the Neudeutsche Schule. His father too was a musician who played several instruments and perhaps that’s why many believe that music was embedded in his genes. Unlike many talented celebrities who bloomed late, Franz Joseph Liszt proved his mettle at a very young age and gained popularity across several parts of Europe. A string of setbacks following his father’s death, in a way, distracted the Hungarian composer and the man almost died due to ill health. But the determined musician bounced back and continued pursuing music eventually. A concert of Niccolò Paganini inspired Franz Joseph Liszt greatly and he decided to leave no stone unturned to become a great musician. His works have said to have inspired several generations of music composers and he also enjoys a demigod status among many students of music even today.

Career

Career

Career

Franz Liszt’s talent made the right noises in England soon after, when he performed at the famous Windsor Castle for King George IV. During the same period, his epic composition ‘New Grand Overture’ was performed at Manchester.

After his father’s death in 1826, Franz Joseph Liszt worked as a piano teacher and took a sort of sabbatical from music for a while. For quite some time, Liszt spent time reading about the life and achievements of several great men, like acclaimed writer Victor Hugo and Alphonse de Lamartine for instance.

He also happened to meet the French composer Hector Berlioz at this time and was influenced by Berlioz to a large great extent.

Franz Liszt attended a concert in 1832, which was more of a fundraiser for charity. The highlight of this concert was that the legendary musician Niccolo Paganini was to perform.

Franz was blown away by Paganini’s skills to such an extent that he decided he’s going to master the piano the way Paganini established his prowess in playing the violin.

In 1833, he focussed on making transcriptions of one of his favourite musicians, Hector Berlioz, who was suffering from an acute financial crisis at the time. Franz also played several compositions of Berlioz to popularize his compositions among the masses.

Franz Joseph Liszt also happened to become good friends with a composer named Frederic Chopin later on, who also influenced him to a certain extent. Interactions with Chopin helped in bringing out the romanticist hidden inside Franz through compositions.

During the months of January and February, in 1866, he directed two symphonies, namely ‘Stabat Mater’ and ‘Dante Symphony’.

Franz Liszt also made news for his stellar composition for the coronation ceremony of the Hungarian monarch Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth of Bavaria. The performance was held on June 8, 1867 and the work earned Liszt many accolades.

He performed for the last time at Yelisavetgrad, Ukraine, in 1847. After which he retired from music at the age of 35.

Who was Franz Liszt?

Who was Franz Liszt?

Who was Franz Liszt?

Franz Liszt was a famous Hungarian composer and pianist. His virtuosic pianist skills were far more technically advanced than his contemporaries were. Apart from his talents as a piano artist, he was also a proficient composer, piano teacher, and conductor. His outstanding talents gave him the opportunity to become one of the most eminent members of the New German School or the Neudeutsche Schule. His father too was a musician who played several instruments and perhaps that’s why many believe that music was embedded in his genes. Unlike many talented celebrities who bloomed late, Franz Joseph Liszt proved his mettle at a very young age and gained popularity across several parts of Europe. A string of setbacks following his father’s death, in a way, distracted the Hungarian composer and the man almost died due to ill health. But the determined musician bounced back and continued pursuing music eventually. A concert of Niccolò Paganini inspired Franz Joseph Liszt greatly and he decided to leave no stone unturned to become a great musician. His works have said to have inspired several generations of music composers and he also enjoys a demigod status among many students of music even today.

Paris Conservatoire

Paris Conservatoire

Paris Conservatoire

In October 1872, after studying with Madame Mauté for one year, Claude Debussy secured admission into Paris Conservatoire. Remaining there for next eleven years, he began by studying piano with Antoine Marmontel thrice a week. Concurrently, he also joined Albert Lavignac's solfeggio classes.

Initially Claude Debussy behaved eccentrically, always coming late to the piano classes. But within one year, Marmontel was able to bring him under control. On 13 January 1874, he wrote on his pupil’s report card, “Charming child, true temperament of an artist; will become a distinguished musician; a great future.”

On 16 January 1876, Debussy made his first public appearance, accompanying singer Léontine Mendès at a concert, organized by the local industry's brass band at Chauny (Aisne). He must have made good impact because we find him attending a second concert on 18 March at the same place.

In June 1876, he was awarded the first medal in solfeggio. Although he had been receiving honorable mentions in piano examinations, he had to wait until July 23, 1877 to receive his first medal, a second prize, in piano. Thereafter on 27 November 1877, he entered Émile Durand's harmony class.

As assed by Durand on June 1879, he was “Extremely gifted in harmony, but desperately careless” and therefore, prizes continued to evade him. Yet, he remained in good books with his teachers.

Also in 1879, Marmontel secured him a summer placement with Marguerite Wilson-Pelouze, an ardent admirer of Flaubert’s writings and Wagner’s composition. While staying with her at Château of Chenonceaux in the Loire Valley, young Debussy decided to become a composer rather than a pianist, which was his ambition till then.

According to the rules, one had to earn a first prize in one of the officially recognized theory classes in order to gain entry in the composition class. Consequently, on his return to the Conservatoire, Debussy entered Auguste Bazille's accompaniment classes in October 1879.

On earning the first prize in June 1880, he entered Ernest Guiraud's composition class in December. Meanwhile in July, Marmontel secured him another summer placement, this time with Mme. Nadezhda von Meck. With her, he visited places like Interlaken, Arcachon, Nice, Genoa, Naples and Florence, thus widening his horizon.

While continuing his studies with different masters at the Conservatoire, Debussy continued his association with von Meck, traveling with her to Russia in 1881 and 1882. Meanwhile, he started giving private lessons and composed number of songs, many of them for Marie-Blanche Vasnier, with whom he had fallen in love.

Who was Claude Debussy?

Who was Claude Debussy?