Page 34 - Quantum Times 2020 Summer Edition

QUANTUM TIMES
The Composer that
Changed Music
Forever
B Y K E N R I C A . G R 8
Throughout his long and distinguished
career, Liszt demonstrated great musical
versatility. His reputation as a virtuoso pianist
was unparalleled, but he also worked as a
conductor and music director. In addition, Liszt
was a respected composer and teacher, leaving
a legacy that has been passed onto the future
generations of pianists.
On a hot summer day in 1811, a cute brown
haired baby was born in the Liszt family; no
one knew that he would one day become a
very famous musician and composer. Liszt’s
father, Adam Liszt, was an official in service of
the Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy. He was also a
pretty talented musician who often played the
cello in court concerts. As Liszt grew, he
started showing great talent compared to the
children of his age. His father often gave him
piano lessons, and he had his first concert
debut when he was nine years old. Many
people enjoyed him and they gave a very big
round of applause.
As time passed, he started making his own
money by doing concert appearances and
teachings. He performed in locations from
Ireland to Constantinople. He demonstrated
unparalleled technical prowess, sight reading
skills, and personal charisma. Everyone
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began to notice within the big leagues.
Practicing every day trained his nimble
fingers to be the best of the best. People
invited him all over the world to listen to his
wonderful masterpieces. As he grew old, he
continued to travel around the world. Sadly,
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he became very sick and died of pneumonia
on July 31, 1886.
The thing that impresses me most about
Franz Liszt is that he composed very
intricate songs. I am also amazed by the
immense talent that he had. He did not need
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to practice as much as other people. The
person that influenced him down this
musical path was probably his father, who
helped him and gave him tips on where he
should practice most. Something I can learn
from him is to keep doing things that you're
good at and the things that you enjoy most. I
also learned to enjoy classical pieces instead
of being frustrated to learn their fingerings.
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