Franz Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

(Painting depicts Franz Liszt playing piano with a bust of Beethoven looking down, in around 1840, surrounded by his friends Victor Hugo, Paganinni, Rossini and others)

Franz Liszt (1811-1886) was a Hungarian composer and performer, considered by many to have been the greatest pianist of his time. One of his piano teachers had, himself, been taught by Beethoven. Liszt was a very religious person, Catholic, and at different times in his life struggled with a belief that he should join the church and become a priest.

He toured in his earlier years and gained tremendous acclaim for his technical skills as a pianist. In later years, he settled into a relationship, and devoted more of his time to composing.

Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, performed by Horowitz at Carnegie Hall, 1953.