Franz Liszt – Sheet Music & Scores

“Beware of missing chances; otherwise it may be altogether too late some day.” Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

These words very much sum up the passion and drive of the piano virtuoso and musical innovator Franz Liszt, who was the creator of the symphonic poem, and a tireless promoter of the neo-romantic. Browse our sheet music and scores, and explore all the fascinating works of Franz Liszt today!

Early Years

Franz or Ferenc Liszt was born in Raiding, Hungary, where his father was the manager of the Esterházy estate. From his early childhood, he was tutored by the best artists of his time, firstly by pianist Carl Czerny and in composition by Antonio Salieri, and after his arrival in Paris by Ferdinando Paër and Anton Reicha.

As a teenager, Lizst conquered the Parisian salons, and the hearts of many a Parisian lady, with his virtuosic piano playing. After the death of his father in 1827, the young Liszt was left to fend for himself. Tough living conditions, and the ideals of the French Revolution, made him a strong and resilient personality. Liszt was inspired by many of his contemporaries, particularly Frédéric Chopin, Niccolo Paganini and Hector Berlioz.

Lifestyle

In 1848, after two exciting decades as a solo pianist, Franz Liszt took up the position of Grand Duke’s Kapellmeister in Weimar. This was a move away from the fame and the spotlight, and a chance to explore and develop true artistic creation, and musical innovation. Thanks to him, Weimar became a progressive musical centre, and the focus of the neo-romantic school. His programmatic symphonies, symphonic poems, and his great piano compositions were mostly written in Weimar. Towards the end of his life, he travelled to Rome, Budapest and eventually Bayreuth, where he died suddenly in 1886, whilst composing and working as a teacher.

His Works

Franz Liszt is arguably best known for his programmatic symphonic compositions, be it his Faust or Dante symphonies, or his 13 symphonic poems, which many composers followed. Many however deem his piano and organ works to be equally important, and Liszt’s Piano Studies are frequently used by pianists both young and old.

More works by Franz Liszt

• Orchestral Music by Liszt
• Piano Pieces by Liszt
• Organ Music by Liszt
• Choral Works by Liszt
• Art Song by Liszt
• Sheet Music Downloads by Liszt