I spent today wandering around his apartment
(he came back to Budapest after the horrific floods here of 1838 which put Pest under about 8 ft of water) and was able to put an order together and one continuous principle stuck out--he was generous. Really generous.
He left Hungary in his early 20s to study and perform in Paris which he did til he created such a fervor he decided to back off and take a break eventually. His original plan, after hearing the stunning virtuousity of Paganini, was to become as magnificent on the piano as Paganini was on violin. Problem was there were quite a few outstanding pianists during that time but Liszt embodied everything they all had and more...and big, ridiculously powerful hands. It was exhausting. He did over 1,000 concerts in 8 years and a good portion of that money, he donated to charities.
During that time he hooked up with Baroness Marie d'Agoult. She bore him 3 children during their 8 years together. He left her to do a series of benefit concerts in vienna, again donating most of the proceeds. He spent a few holidays with Marie and the children and when he left her for good, he made sure the children were financially settled.
He met Princess Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstien who became his partner in life, love and music til his death. Unhappily married for years, she tried unsuccessfully to get a divorce first from her husband and then the marriage annulled by the church. No go on both ends.
She lived with Liszt until the church debacle, being Liszt's librettist for his songs and ghost writing all of his books. Not just his lover, she was a highly respected writer during her day. She and Liszt remained close for the rest of their lives and she passed very shortly after he did.
Liszt, always a very devote Catholic, took holy orders in his later years and also received and honorary doctorate degree. He went on to donate all proceeds from his performances to charity and was a tremendous sponsor of Wagner and many of the new composers. He dressed as an abbe, wearing this small embroidered sacred heart inside his coat at all times.
He continued to travel non-stop during his later years. He returned to Budapest and established a music foundation in his name which still runs successfully today. He taught privately from this room and composed from this table many of his last works.
Too much work and strain took its toll and he contracted pneumonia, dying after helping his daughter manage a music festival. He is buried in Bayreuth.
Probably my favorite part of today was there was an outstanding pianist performing Liszt in the next room for a private concert. Being in his house, listening to his music, I felt I was very near this generous genius.
Love from the road.
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