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Franz Liszt (1811–1886) is one of the seminal figures of the 19th century. As one of the great piano virtuosos, he toured Europe from one end to the other, coming into contact with virtually all the prominent figures of the period. As a composer, he contributed to all the major genres and pioneered various innovations in form and harmony.
A series of four class sessions will consider Liszt, both in terms of biography and music. For the latter, our survey will begin with piano music (the first session), continue with orchestral and choral works (the next two sessions), and conclude with his later and most experimental compositions (the final session).
Such a seminar on the music of Liszt seems very appropriate, as this past year we celebrated the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Required Reading:
The Cambridge Companion to Liszt. Ed. Kenneth Hamilton. Cambridge University Press, 2005. ISBN-10: 0-521-64462-3.
Recommended Reading:
Walker, Alan. Franz Liszt, Vol.1: The Virtuoso Years, 1811-1847.Cornell University Press; Rev. edition, 1987. ISBN-10: 0-8014-9421-4.
Walker, Alan. Franz Liszt, Vol.2: The Weimar Years, 1848-1861. Cornell University Press, 1993. ISBN-10: 0-8014-9721-3.
Walker, Alan. Franz Liszt,Vol.3: The Final Years, 1861-1886. Cornell University Press, 1997. ISBN-10: 0-8014-8453-7.
