The Life and Works of Franz Liszt

by Jeremy Siepmann, Neville Jason (Reading)

The life of Franz Liszt was as daring and spectacular as his music. Famed throughout Europe as the greatest pianist of the nineteenth century, he was one of the most original and prophetic composers who ever lived. Beautiful in youth, glowering in age, his high-profile love affairs were the talk of the town wherever he went, and his generosity to young musicians was legendary. In this account of his epic life, actors' readings combine with plentiful musical excerpts to paint a living portrait of a highly complex man.

Genres: Music, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

First published November 1, 2003

About the author

Jeremy Siepmann (16 January 1942 – 6 April 2016), born in America and living in Britain for most of his career, was a broadcaster and writer on music.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read and listen for this audio book about Franz Liszt. It mixes narrative about his life alternating with actual performances of some of his major works that gave me a little musical break throughout the book. The narrative about his life runs through major events in his life from his youth and early compositions and performances to his more matured compositions. This book includes musical performances of his best known works matched with narrative explaining background that likely influenced his music. Great read/listen for anyone interested in one of the best composers and performers of his time. As an audio book with musical performances I suggest not speeding up the playing to get the best out of the performances. A nice diversion from the usual heavy topics I normally read.

[Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

While waiting for the definitive 3-volume Liszt biography by Alan Walker, I started listening to this short biography thinking I wouldn't get much out of it. Boy, was I wrong! This audiobook was absolutely fantastic, interspersing a concise, fascinating narrative with stunning performances fitting for the time period of Liszt's life being discussed. There's only so much information you can include in 2.5 hours, but I was pleasantly surprised that there were little details that were new to me. And the presentation of an audio-biography like this is unbeatable, including entertaining actors reading letters in the voices of the letter writer. Loved this and highly recommend!

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opracowanie audiobooków z tej serii jest świetne, zawierają też fragmenty największych kompozycji. Ale teraz mam zgrzyta, bo tak jak dotąd kochałam Liszta za jego muzykę, tak po liźnięciu jego życiorysu chyba nie lubię go za to, jakim był człowiekiem :| Teraz bądź tu odważnym i słuchaj o Chopinie, Schumannie, Beethovenie, Brahmsie…Ciekawe, ile jeszcze złapię takich otrzeźwiających plasków po mordzie. No ale nic, jestem w obsesji, więc lecę z tematem dalej.

[Jean Donze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another audio version of a great composer with excerpts of his music. Liszt was one of the greatest pianists of all time, wrote many differ styles of compositions and was a major influence of a long list of composers. Very interesting.

[Wyatt Clay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly lacking compare to the Chopin counterpart

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short audio book (2 hours and 35 minutes) briefly assessing the life and work of composer Franz Liszt.

[Laverne Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.00 Stars. Audiobook with narration by Neville Jason. Lovely. Enjoyable. Interesting. As the story of Liszt’s life is being told, excerpts of his musical compositions are played in conjunction with various events in his life...for instance , Consolation III, A Sigh, in D flat Major was composed following he and his estranged daughter’s reunion and the reestablishment of their father/ daughter relationship.

[Jacquelyn Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography was amazing! I listened to it on audiobook so there were many selections of his music that I could listen to as they were mentioned. Liszt was an incredible composer and a trailblazer for his art.

[Galicius · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine and proper form of getting into the life and music of a composer. There are plenty of musical examples of this major Romantic piano master.