Franz Liszt

Liszt's father discovered his son's musical talent around the age of six; within three years, he was giving concerts.

Liszt often broke piano strings when he performed.

Liszt's solo piano compositions are some of the most challenging works ever written for the instrument.

At the height of Liszt's popularity, the term "Lisztomania" was coined to describe the tremendous reception he received.

Both generous and hospitable, Liszt often had a house full of guests.

Liszt was the first musician to give solo piano concerts. He would play his entire concert by memory.

Liszt was showered with gifts and medals from nobility; Tsar Nicholas I gave the composer a pair of performing bears.

A famous and highly regarded teacher, Liszt was the first to use the masterclass.

Liszt created an entire new genre of music: the symphonic poem.

Liszt gave over 1,000 concerts in the decade that he spent touring Europe.

Liszt and Richard Wagner were great friends; Wagner would marry Liszt's daughter, Cosima.

Chopin wrote of Liszt in 1833, “I would love myself to acquire from him the manner in which he plays my [etudes].”