Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (1847)

Franz Liszt was born on October 22, 1811. He died July 31, 1886 at the age of 74. He was the best pianist of his time. He was also a great teacher, composer, and conductor.

From 1839 to 1847, Liszt performed as a pianist all over Europe. In February 1847, while performing in Kiev, he met a princess named Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein. The two fell in love and lived together for many years.

Later in 1847 Liszt wrote his famous Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. This song is one of 19 compositions which he based on Hungarian folk music.

Valentina Lisitsa was born in Kiev in 1973 and first performed as a pianist in public at the age of 4. One of her performances of Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 was recorded in 2010.

Copyright © 2012 by Steven Farsaci. All rights reserved. Fair use encouraged.