Ilona Kabos, a British pianist born in Budapest in 1893 and died in London in 1973, played excerpts from Liszt’s “Weihnachtsbaum” (Christmas Tree) in her 1952 recording. She was a student at the Liszt Academy in Budapest, studying under notable instructors such as Arpad Szendy, Leo Weiner, and Kodaly. Kabos won the Liszt Prize in 1915 and went on to have a successful career, touring various countries and giving first performances of works by renowned composers. She was highly regarded as a teacher and had notable pupils like Peter Frankl and John Ogdon.
Ilona Kabos, a British pianist born in Budapest in 1893 and died in London in 1973, played excerpts from Liszt’s “Weihnachtsbaum” (Christmas Tree) in her 1952 recording. She was a student at the Liszt Academy in Budapest, studying under notable instructors such as Arpad Szendy, Leo Weiner, and Kodaly. Kabos won the Liszt Prize in 1915 and went on to have a successful career, touring various countries and giving first performances of works by renowned composers. She was highly regarded as a teacher and had notable pupils like Peter Frankl and John Ogdon.
About the composer…
Franz Liszt, born in 1811, was a Hungarian composer and pianist who made significant contributions to classical music. His life and musical career were marked by innovation and virtuosity, earning him the reputation as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Liszt’s early years were spent studying music with his father and eventually moving to Vienna to study composition with renowned musicians of the time. He then embarked on a successful career as a piano virtuoso, captivating audiences with his extraordinary talent and showmanship. Liszt’s compositions spanned various genres, including symphonic poems, piano concertos, and operatic transcriptions. His works were characterized by their technical complexity, expressive melodies, and innovative use of harmony and form. Notable compositions include “Liebestraum,” “Hungarian Rhapsodies,” and “Les Préludes.” Franz Liszt’s contributions to classical music continue to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
