Franz Liszt

[Doc Holliday]

Franz Liszt (Hungarian: Liszt Ferenc; pronounced /lɪst/, in English: list) (October 22, 1811 – July 31, 1886) was a Hungarian [1] virtuoso pianist and composer of the Romantic period. He was a renowned performer throughout Europe during the 19th century, noted especially for his showmanship and great skill with the piano. Today, he is considered to be one of the greatest pianists in history, despite the fact that no recordings of his playing exist. Liszt is frequently credited with re-defining piano playing itself, and his influence is still visible today, both through his compositions and his legacy as a teacher. He is credited with the invention of the symphonic poem, as well as the modern solo piano recital, in which his virtuosity won him approval by composers and performers alike.

He also contributed greatly toward the Romantic idiom in general. His writings and philosophies about the nature of music as an art, the role of the artist, and the necessary future direction of music had a significant effect on the musical culture of the time. His great generosity with both time and money benefited many people, including victims of disasters, orphans, and the many students he taught for free. He was also a benefactor and advocate of many composers, most famously Richard Wagner and Hector Berlioz.

So yeah, he's bloody amazing.

The 12 Transcedental Etudes Performed By Boris Berezovsky:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pyV0uJe_ghA - Etudes 1, 2 and 3.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FrIECx7r7PI&mode=related&search= - Etude 4, Best in my opinion.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QGLf-rRdc6Q&mode=related&search= - Etudes 5 , 6
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bpAOxbjRwXg&mode=related&search= - Etude 7
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XQrbH8u_JI8&mode=related&search= - Etude 8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IzeErv62nKc&mode=related&search= - Etude 9
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nJkXEH0YhpM&mode=related&search= Etude 10
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bcELnd34wWQ&mode=related&search= Etude 11
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lCJJYG_ZIRs&mode=related&search= - Etude 12.

And another, more enjoyable piece called the Grand Galope Chromatique:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SygS5yz7x5M&mode=related&search=